Boston Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boston Public Schools has 6 executives leading key functions including technology, administration, operations, and leadership support.

Dedicated to academic excellence, Boston Public Schools transforms student lives through inclusive teaching environments. This district maintains a commitment to fostering equitable learning opportunities across all grade levels.

Leadership Roles at Boston Public Schools

  • 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
  • Brian Forde - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Forde, the Chief Operating Officer at Boston Public Schools, manages the physical and logistical infrastructure necessary for district operations. Forde oversees facility maintenance, transportation services, and food programs, ensuring that schools remain safe and functional environments for learning. By optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer supports the district's mission of providing equitable education to all children. This role involves coordinating with external vendors and internal departments to maintain high standards of service delivery. Brian Forde directs the planning of capital projects, ensuring that school buildings meet the evolving needs of students and staff. The Chief Operating Officer monitors operational budgets, driving efficiency to maximize the impact of available funding. Through rigorous oversight of daily logistics, Forde ensures that the district's operational framework remains robust. By prioritizing the health and safety of the school community, the Chief Operating Officer creates the necessary conditions for academic achievement across the entire district.

    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 high-level support for the district's operational strategy. Pena focuses on the execution of specific logistical programs, ensuring that school-based services meet the needs of the student population. By managing complex operational workflows, the Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer improves the delivery of essential support services. This role involves collaborating with school administrators to identify and address facility-related challenges. Anthony Pena monitors the performance of operational teams, ensuring that all activities align with the district's commitment to welcoming and effective learning environments. The Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer drives process improvements, reducing waste and increasing the impact of district resources. Through careful planning and execution, Pena supports the broader operational goals of the district. By maintaining a focus on operational excellence, the Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer ensures that schools remain prepared for student success.

    Lisa Irey - Chief Technology Officer

    Lisa Irey, the Chief Technology Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the digital infrastructure supporting pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education. Irey manages the integration of classroom learning tools and administrative data systems to enhance student outcomes. By architecting secure network environments, the Chief Technology Officer ensures reliable access to digital resources across the district. This role involves collaborating with academic leaders to implement technology that supports diverse learning needs. Lisa Irey oversees the deployment of hardware and software solutions, maintaining alignment with the district's mission of providing high-quality education. Through strategic planning, the Chief Technology Officer optimizes technical efficiency, allowing educators to focus on instruction. The technology department under Irey drives innovation in digital literacy, ensuring students possess the necessary skills for future success. By modernizing district-wide systems, Irey secures the technological foundation required for effective teaching and learning in a modern educational landscape.
    Lisa Irey

    Julia Frederick - Chief of Staff

    Julia Frederick, the Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the district leadership team. Frederick manages the flow of information to the superintendent, ensuring alignment with the district's long-term educational goals. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff improves organizational efficiency and supports the implementation of district-wide policies. This role involves managing high-level projects that impact student services and community engagement. Julia Frederick works closely with department heads to resolve complex operational challenges, maintaining a focus on the district's mission of transforming lives through welcoming schools. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key initiatives, providing the necessary oversight to ensure accountability. Through effective management of executive workflows, Frederick supports the district's commitment to academic excellence. By fostering collaboration among leadership, the Chief of Staff ensures that all administrative efforts directly contribute to the success of students throughout the district.

    Kelsey Smithendorf - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kelsey Smithendorf, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, assists in the management of executive functions and supports the implementation of district-wide strategic initiatives. Smithendorf coordinates cross-departmental projects, ensuring that administrative tasks align with the district's core mission of student transformation. By facilitating communication between the superintendent's office and various school departments, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains organizational cohesion. This role involves analyzing operational data to support decision-making processes and improve service delivery. Kelsey Smithendorf manages scheduling and project timelines, allowing the leadership team to focus on critical educational priorities. The Deputy Chief of Staff works to resolve administrative bottlenecks, enhancing the overall efficiency of the district's central office. Through diligent support of executive leadership, Smithendorf contributes to the stability and success of the district. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all administrative activities remain focused on the needs of students and families.

    Indira Alvarez - Chief Operations Officer

    Indira Alvarez, the Chief Operations Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the procurement and supply chain functions that sustain the district's educational programs. Alvarez manages the acquisition of instructional materials and essential supplies, ensuring that classrooms remain well-equipped for student learning. By optimizing the procurement process, the Chief Operations Officer reduces costs and improves the availability of critical resources. This role involves negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships to ensure the district receives high-quality goods and services. Indira Alvarez oversees the distribution of materials across the district, maintaining a focus on efficiency and reliability. The Chief Operations Officer works with academic leaders to align purchasing strategies with curriculum requirements. Through strategic management of the supply chain, Alvarez supports the district's mission of transforming lives through education. By ensuring that schools have the necessary tools for instruction, the Chief Operations Officer plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of the student experience.
    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 Brian Forde (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Anthony Pena (Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer) and Lisa Irey (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Boston Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Boston Public Schools includes leaders such as Brian Forde (Chief Operating Officer), Anthony Pena (Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer), Lisa Irey (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Boston Public Schools have?
    Boston Public Schools has 6 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 Operating Officer, Senior Leadership Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff.