Boston Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boston Public Schools has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, operations, leadership, and administrative support.

Dedicated to academic excellence, Boston Public Schools transforms the lives of all children through teaching in welcoming schools while maintaining a commitment to equitable education across the district.

Leadership Roles at Boston Public Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - Steven Simmons
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Blair Dawkins
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian Forde
  • Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer - Anthony Pena
  • Chief of Staff - Julia Frederick
  • Chief Technology Officer - Lisa Irey
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kelsey Smithendorf
  • Chief Operations Officer - Indira Alvarez
  • Steven Simmons - Chief Financial Officer

    Steven Simmons, the Chief Financial Officer at Boston Public Schools, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire district. Simmons oversees the allocation of funds to ensure that resources reach classrooms effectively while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. By analyzing financial trends, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for informed decision-making regarding district-wide investments. This role involves coordinating with the board to establish long-term financial sustainability for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 programs. Steven Simmons also directs the auditing processes and monitors expenditures to prevent waste. Through careful management of the district budget, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of educational services. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executives to align spending with the overarching mission of student success. Ultimately, Simmons ensures the financial integrity of the district through disciplined fiscal oversight.

    Blair Dawkins - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Blair Dawkins, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Boston Public Schools, assists in the management of the district's complex financial portfolio. Dawkins monitors daily accounting operations and ensures that all financial reporting meets strict regulatory standards. By supervising the payroll and procurement departments, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer maintains the accuracy of the district's fiscal records. This role involves preparing detailed budget reports and assisting in the long-term financial planning for educational programs. Blair Dawkins also analyzes expenditure patterns to identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising student services. Through the rigorous oversight of financial transactions, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the stability of the district's economic foundation. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Chief Financial Officer to implement strategic fiscal policies. Ultimately, Dawkins ensures that the district maintains the necessary resources to support its mission of academic excellence.

    Brian Forde - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Forde, the Chief Operating Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the physical and logistical operations of the district. Forde manages facility maintenance, transportation services, and food programs to ensure a safe environment for all students. By optimizing supply chain logistics, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that schools receive essential materials on time. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects and managing vendor relationships to maximize operational efficiency. Brian Forde also implements safety protocols across all campuses to protect the student population. Through the coordination of support services, the Chief Operating Officer enables educators to focus entirely on teaching. The Chief Operating Officer works with the finance team to ensure that operational costs remain within budget. Ultimately, Forde maintains the physical foundation of the district, allowing for a consistent and welcoming learning experience for every child.

    Anthony Pena - Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer

    Anthony Pena, the Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Boston Public Schools, supports the strategic execution of operational goals. Pena manages the daily coordination of support staff and ensures that departmental objectives align with the broader mission of the district. By facilitating communication between the operations team and school administrators, the Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer improves service delivery across the region. This role involves monitoring performance metrics and identifying areas for process improvement within the facilities and logistics departments. Anthony Pena also assists in the development of policies that govern school safety and resource distribution. Through the oversight of key operational initiatives, the Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency in the daily management of school buildings. The Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other leaders to resolve logistical bottlenecks. Ultimately, Pena ensures operational excellence.

    Julia Frederick - Chief of Staff

    Julia Frederick, the Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, directs internal communications and coordinates strategic initiatives across the district. Frederick manages the flow of information between the superintendent and various departments to ensure alignment with educational goals. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational efficiency within the Roxbury headquarters. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and monitoring the execution of district-wide policies. Julia Frederick also oversees the implementation of long-term planning projects that support pre-kindergarten through grade 12 student success. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains focus on the core mission of providing quality education. The Chief of Staff collaborates with other executive leaders to resolve complex institutional challenges. Ultimately, Frederick drives the administrative stability required for the district to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.

    Lisa Irey - Chief Technology Officer

    Lisa Irey, the Chief Technology Officer at Boston Public Schools, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern classroom learning. Irey manages the deployment of educational software and hardware across all district facilities to support diverse student needs. By integrating advanced data systems, the Chief of Technology Officer ensures that teachers and administrators possess the tools required for effective instruction. This leadership role involves securing network environments and optimizing digital resources for the entire school district. Lisa Irey also evaluates emerging technologies to improve student engagement and administrative productivity. Through the management of large-scale IT projects, the Chief of Technology Officer facilitates seamless access to information for students and staff. The Chief of Technology Officer works closely with the finance department to allocate resources for technological upgrades. Ultimately, Irey secures the digital future of the district by maintaining robust and scalable systems.
    Lisa Irey

    Kelsey Smithendorf - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kelsey Smithendorf, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, manages the administrative functions that support the superintendent's office. Smithendorf coordinates the scheduling of executive meetings and ensures that all internal communications remain consistent with district policy. By organizing special projects and tracking the progress of key initiatives, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the productivity of the leadership team. This role involves drafting policy documents and preparing briefings for the board of education. Kelsey Smithendorf also serves as a liaison between the central office and various school stakeholders to ensure clear communication. Through the management of administrative workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff allows the executive team to focus on high-level strategy. The Deputy Chief of Staff collaborates with the Chief of Staff to streamline operations. Ultimately, Smithendorf ensures that the district's leadership functions effectively to support the needs of students and teachers.

    Indira Alvarez - Chief Operations Officer

    Indira Alvarez, the Chief Operations Officer at Boston Public Schools, oversees the strategic planning of district-wide support systems. Alvarez focuses on the modernization of school facilities and the implementation of sustainable energy practices across the district. By managing the capital improvement budget, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that school buildings meet the evolving needs of modern education. This leadership role involves coordinating with local government agencies to secure funding for infrastructure upgrades. Indira Alvarez also directs the implementation of new safety and security technologies to protect the learning environment. Through the management of large-scale operational projects, the Chief Operations Officer improves the overall quality of the district's physical assets. The Chief Operations Officer works with other executives to ensure that operational strategies support the academic mission. Ultimately, Alvarez drives the long-term development of the district's infrastructure to provide a superior environment for all students.
    Indira Alvarez

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Boston Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Boston Public Schools?
    Boston Public Schools is led by Steven Simmons (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Blair Dawkins (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Brian Forde (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Boston Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Boston Public Schools includes leaders such as Steven Simmons (Chief Financial Officer), Blair Dawkins (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Brian Forde (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Boston Public Schools have?
    Boston Public Schools has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Boston Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Boston Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.