Boston Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boston Public Schools has 8 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, and communications.

Driven by a commitment to transforming lives, Boston Public Schools provides comprehensive pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education, fostering learning in welcoming 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 of Staff - Ron Consalvo
  • Chief Technology Officer - Lisa Irey
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kelsey Smithendorf
  • Chief Operations Officer - Indira Alvarez
  • Chief Communications Officer - Christopher McKinnon
  • Blair Dawkins - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Blair Dawkins, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Boston Public Schools, supports the financial health and strategic fiscal planning of the district. Dawkins assists in managing the budget, overseeing financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. This role is essential for allocating resources effectively to support educational programs and operational needs across the district. By contributing to sound financial management, Blair Dawkins ensures that Boston Public Schools can sustain its commitment to transforming lives through teaching. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Chief Financial Officer to maintain fiscal responsibility and support long-term financial stability. Dawkins's expertise is critical in navigating the complex financial landscape of a large public school system.

    Brian Forde - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Forde, the Chief Operating Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the district's comprehensive operational framework. Forde oversees critical functions including facilities management, transportation, and auxiliary services, ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of all school sites. This leadership position is vital for maintaining safe and conducive learning environments across the district. By optimizing resource deployment and operational efficiency, Brian Forde supports the core mission of providing quality education. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that all logistical and infrastructural elements align with the district's strategic objectives, facilitating uninterrupted educational delivery. Forde's responsibilities encompass managing large-scale operations to support the educational needs of thousands of students.

    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 Chief Operating Officer in managing district-wide operations. Pena focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of operational departments, ensuring that resources are utilized optimally to support educational goals. This position involves overseeing specific projects and initiatives that improve service delivery and maintain the physical infrastructure of the schools. By contributing to operational excellence, Anthony Pena directly impacts the learning environment for students and staff. The Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer ensures that strategic operational plans are executed effectively, supporting the district's mission. Pena's role is integral to the successful functioning of the extensive operational network within Boston Public Schools.

    Ron Consalvo - Chief of Staff

    Ron Consalvo, the Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the district. Consalvo manages key projects that advance the educational mission, ensuring seamless execution of administrative functions. This leadership role involves coordinating efforts between departments to optimize resource allocation and enhance student support services. By streamlining internal processes, Ron Consalvo drives efficiency and supports the overall effectiveness of the school system. The Chief of Staff ensures that the district's strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans, fostering a cohesive approach to educational delivery and administrative oversight. Consalvo's focus remains on strengthening the operational framework to better serve students and educators throughout Boston.

    Lisa Irey - Chief Technology Officer

    Lisa Irey, the Chief Technology Officer at Boston Public Schools, architects the district's technology strategy and infrastructure. Irey oversees the implementation of innovative digital solutions that enhance learning environments and administrative operations. This critical role involves managing all aspects of educational technology, from network security to student information systems, ensuring robust and reliable access for all users. By driving technological advancements, Lisa Irey supports the district's commitment to transforming lives through education. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that technology empowers educators and students, facilitating personalized learning experiences and efficient data management. Irey's leadership focuses on leveraging technology to achieve the district's educational goals and maintain a secure, modern digital ecosystem.
    Lisa Irey

    Kelsey Smithendorf - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kelsey Smithendorf, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, supports the Chief of Staff in executing strategic priorities and managing key district initiatives. Smithendorf plays a crucial role in coordinating cross-departmental projects and ensuring effective communication channels are maintained. This position involves assisting in the development and implementation of policies that enhance educational outcomes and operational effectiveness. By providing critical support to the Chief of Staff, Kelsey Smithendorf contributes to the seamless functioning of the district's administrative leadership. The Deputy Chief of Staff focuses on driving project completion and ensuring alignment with the overarching goals of Boston Public Schools. Smithendorf's efforts are directed towards strengthening the district's capacity to serve its student population.

    Indira Alvarez - Chief Operations Officer

    Indira Alvarez, the Chief Operations Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the comprehensive operational strategy and execution across the district. Alvarez oversees critical functions including facilities, transportation, safety, and support services, ensuring the optimal functioning of all school sites and administrative offices. This leadership position is fundamental to creating and maintaining safe, efficient, and welcoming learning environments for students and staff. By driving operational excellence and resource optimization, Indira Alvarez directly supports the district's mission to transform lives through education. The Chief Operations Officer ensures that all logistical and infrastructural elements are aligned with educational objectives, facilitating uninterrupted learning and administrative processes. Alvarez's focus is on enhancing the operational capacity to meet the diverse needs of the Boston Public Schools community.
    Indira Alvarez

    Christopher McKinnon - Chief Communications Officer

    Christopher McKinnon, the Chief Communications Officer at Boston Public Schools, leads the district's strategic communication efforts and public relations. McKinnon oversees the dissemination of information to stakeholders, including parents, staff, students, and the wider community, ensuring transparency and fostering positive relationships. This role is vital for articulating the district's mission, achievements, and initiatives effectively. By managing internal and external communications, Christopher McKinnon supports the district's commitment to transforming lives through teaching in welcoming schools. The Chief Communications Officer ensures that the district's message is clear, consistent, and impactful, building trust and engagement. McKinnon's expertise is crucial in shaping public perception and facilitating open dialogue about educational priorities.

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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 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 Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer.