Boston Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boston Public Schools has 7 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, finance, and administration.

Dedicated to transforming the lives of all children, Boston Public Schools provides comprehensive pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education, fostering learning within welcoming school environments across Massachusetts.

Leadership Roles at Boston Public Schools

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

    Blair Dawkins, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Boston Public Schools, plays a pivotal role in managing the district's financial health and resource allocation. Overseeing critical financial operations, Dawkins ensures fiscal responsibility and strategic investment in educational programs. This leadership function is essential for transforming the lives of all children by providing the necessary resources for teaching and learning. By optimizing financial planning and budgeting, Blair Dawkins directly supports the district's ability to operate welcoming schools. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer drives initiatives related to financial compliance, budget management, and the development of sustainable financial models. Dawkins' expertise is crucial in ensuring that financial resources are effectively deployed to meet the educational needs of students across all grade levels.

    Brian Forde - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Forde, the Chief Operating Officer at Boston Public Schools, oversees the comprehensive operational framework supporting the district's educational mission. Managing a wide array of essential services, Forde ensures the efficient functioning of all school sites and administrative departments. This critical role involves strategic oversight of facilities management, transportation logistics, and operational efficiency initiatives designed to transform the lives of students. By streamlining operational processes, Brian Forde directly contributes to creating welcoming schools conducive to learning. The Chief Operating Officer drives the implementation of best practices in resource allocation and operational planning, ensuring that the district's infrastructure effectively supports its pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational programs. Forde's leadership ensures that daily operations align with the overarching goal of providing high-quality education across Massachusetts.

    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, provides critical support to the operational leadership of the district. Pena focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of core operational functions that underpin the educational environment. This involves contributing to strategic planning and the execution of initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of students through reliable school operations. By ensuring seamless coordination within the Chief Operating Officer's office, Anthony Pena directly supports the district's commitment to providing education in welcoming schools. Pena's responsibilities include driving process improvements and managing key projects that bolster the district's capacity to serve its pre-kindergarten through grade 12 student population. This leadership position is vital for maintaining operational integrity and advancing the district's educational goals.

    Lisa Irey - Chief Technology Officer

    Lisa Irey, the Chief Technology Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the district's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all technology operations, Irey ensures the integration of innovative digital tools to enhance the educational experience for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. This leadership role involves managing the deployment of educational technology, cybersecurity measures, and data management systems critical for transforming lives through teaching. By optimizing technological resources, Lisa Irey directly supports the district's mission of providing education in welcoming schools. The Chief Technology Officer drives initiatives to bridge the digital divide and equip students and educators with the necessary digital literacy skills for future success. This involves strategic planning for network upgrades, software implementation, and technical support across all school sites. Irey's focus remains on leveraging technology to create a more effective and equitable learning environment for every child within the district.
    Lisa Irey

    Julia Frederick - Chief of Staff

    Julia Frederick, the Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the executive leadership team. Managing key initiatives and ensuring alignment with the district's core mission, Frederick facilitates the effective execution of strategic priorities. This role involves close collaboration with various departments to drive progress in transforming the lives of all children through teaching. By enhancing communication and streamlining workflows, Julia Frederick directly supports the creation of welcoming schools. The Chief of Staff acts as a central point for strategic planning and problem-solving, ensuring that the leadership's vision translates into tangible outcomes for students. Frederick's efforts are crucial in maintaining operational synergy and advancing the district's commitment to educational excellence.

    Kelsey Smithendorf - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kelsey Smithendorf, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, supports the Chief of Staff in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring operational alignment across the district. Smithendorf focuses on facilitating communication and coordinating efforts among various departments to advance the district's mission of transforming lives through education. This role is integral to creating a cohesive leadership environment that fosters the development of welcoming schools. By managing key projects and providing analytical support, Kelsey Smithendorf directly contributes to the effective implementation of district-wide strategies. Smithendorf's work ensures that leadership priorities are translated into actionable plans, supporting the delivery of quality pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education. This position is vital for maintaining momentum on critical organizational objectives.

    Indira Alvarez - Chief Operations Officer

    Indira Alvarez, the Chief Operations Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the comprehensive operational strategy and execution for the district. Alvarez oversees critical functions including facilities, transportation, and support services, ensuring the seamless delivery of educational programs. This leadership position is fundamental to transforming the lives of students by maintaining safe and efficient school environments. By optimizing resource utilization and operational workflows, Indira Alvarez directly contributes to the district's commitment to providing education in welcoming schools. The Chief Operations Officer drives innovation in operational management, focusing on enhancing efficiency and sustainability across all school sites. Alvarez's strategic oversight ensures that the district's infrastructure robustly supports its pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational objectives and the overall well-being of the student community.
    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 Blair Dawkins (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Brian Forde (Chief Operating Officer) and Anthony Pena (Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Boston Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Boston Public Schools includes leaders such as Blair Dawkins (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Brian Forde (Chief Operating Officer), Anthony Pena (Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Boston Public Schools have?
    Boston Public Schools has 7 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 Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff.