Boston Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Blair Dawkins, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Boston Public Schools, supports the financial health and strategic resource allocation for the district. Dawkins assists in managing budgets, financial planning, and ensuring fiscal responsibility across all pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational programs. This role is crucial for optimizing financial operations and supporting the district's commitment to transforming student lives. By contributing to financial oversight, Blair Dawkins ensures that funds are effectively utilized to enhance educational outcomes. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's focus includes developing financial strategies that align with the district's long-term objectives. Dawkins's expertise is vital in maintaining financial stability and supporting the operational needs of the educational community.

Brian Forde, the Chief Operating Officer at Boston Public Schools, manages the district's extensive operational infrastructure. Overseeing facilities, transportation, and support services, Forde ensures the smooth functioning of daily educational activities. This critical role involves optimizing resource deployment to support student learning environments across Roxbury, Massachusetts. By driving efficiency in logistical operations, Brian Forde directly impacts the district's ability to serve its pre-kindergarten through grade 12 student population. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to managing vendor relationships and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Forde's leadership focuses on creating a stable and supportive operational framework that enables educators to concentrate on teaching. This executive's strategic oversight guarantees the effective delivery of essential services supporting the district's mission.

Anthony Pena, the Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Boston Public Schools, supports the strategic direction and execution of operational initiatives. Pena assists in overseeing critical functions such as facilities management and logistical support for the district's pre-kindergarten through grade 12 programs. This role involves coordinating projects that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of educational environments. By contributing to operational planning, Anthony Pena ensures that resources are optimally allocated to support student success. The Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer's focus is on driving operational excellence and supporting the Chief Operating Officer's broader objectives. Pena's efforts contribute to maintaining a stable and functional infrastructure across all school sites.

Yusufi Vali, the Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the district. Overseeing key departmental projects, Vali ensures efficient execution of the educational mission. This leadership position involves coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance student outcomes and support administrative functions. By managing critical workflows, Yusufi Vali drives progress in implementing district-wide policies. The Chief of Staff's role is central to optimizing resource allocation and fostering a collaborative environment. This executive ensures seamless communication between leadership and operational teams, supporting the overarching goal of transforming student lives through education. Vali's focus remains on strengthening the district's capacity to deliver high-quality pre-kindergarten through grade 12 instruction.

Lisa Irey, the Chief Technology Officer at Boston Public Schools, architects the district's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of educational technology, Irey ensures access to digital learning tools for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. This leadership position involves managing network operations, cybersecurity, and the implementation of innovative digital solutions. By driving technological advancements, Lisa Irey enhances the learning experience and supports administrative efficiency. The Chief Technology Officer's role is pivotal in equipping students and staff with the necessary digital resources. Irey's focus is on leveraging technology to transform education and foster a connected learning community. This executive ensures the district remains at the forefront of educational technology integration.

Kelsey Smithendorf, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, supports the Chief of Staff in managing district-wide strategic projects and operational coordination. Smithendorf assists in streamlining communication channels and ensuring the effective implementation of policies affecting pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. This leadership function involves facilitating collaboration among various departments to achieve educational goals. By contributing to project management, Kelsey Smithendorf enhances the district's capacity for efficient operations. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include supporting executive decision-making and ensuring alignment with the district's core mission. Smithendorf's work is integral to maintaining organizational effectiveness and driving continuous improvement within the educational framework.

Indira Alvarez, the Chief Operations Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the comprehensive operational framework supporting the district's educational mission. Alvarez oversees critical functions including facilities management, transportation logistics, and essential support services for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. This leadership role is fundamental to ensuring a safe, efficient, and conducive learning environment across all school sites. By driving operational excellence, Indira Alvarez enhances the district's capacity to deliver high-quality education. The Chief Operations Officer's strategic focus involves optimizing resource utilization and implementing best practices in operational management. Alvarez's leadership ensures the seamless functioning of the district's infrastructure, directly contributing to student success and well-being.

Christopher McKinnon, the Chief Communications Officer at Boston Public Schools, leads the district's strategic communication efforts. McKinnon manages public relations, media engagement, and internal communications to foster transparency and support the educational mission for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. This role is vital in shaping the district's public image and ensuring clear messaging to stakeholders. By developing effective communication strategies, Christopher McKinnon enhances community engagement and builds trust. The Chief Communications Officer's responsibilities include crisis communication and promoting the achievements of students and staff. McKinnon's leadership ensures that the district's commitment to transforming lives through education is effectively conveyed to the wider community.