Cambridge Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cambridge Public Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, information technology, human resources, and academic enrichment.

Committed to fostering academic excellence, Cambridge Public Schools delivers comprehensive educational programs while maintaining a robust infrastructure to support student success across the entire district.

Leadership Roles at Cambridge Public Schools

  • Chief Operating Officer - David Murphy
  • Architecture Club Founder & President - Calder Russell
  • Chief Information Officer - Lee McCanne
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Diana Rippee
  • Chief Operations Officer - Damon Smith
  • David Murphy - Chief Operating Officer

    David Murphy, the Chief Operating Officer at Cambridge Public Schools, manages the physical infrastructure and facility maintenance required for high-quality learning environments. Overseeing district-wide logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all school buildings meet safety standards and operational efficiency benchmarks. This leadership role involves coordinating with external vendors and internal departments to optimize resource allocation across the Massachusetts region. By streamlining facility management processes, David Murphy directly impacts the daily functionality of classrooms and administrative offices. Murphy maintains rigorous oversight of capital projects, ensuring that physical assets align with the long-term educational goals of the district. Through proactive maintenance strategies, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the learning environment remains conducive to student achievement and staff productivity, ultimately supporting the broader mission of providing equitable access to educational resources for every student within the district.
    David Murphy

    Calder Russell - Architecture Club Founder & President

    Calder Russell, the Architecture Club Founder & President at Cambridge Public Schools, leads student-driven initiatives focused on design thinking and structural engineering within the academic community. Overseeing the club curriculum, the Architecture Club Founder & President ensures that participants engage with real-world architectural concepts and sustainable building practices. This leadership role involves organizing workshops and collaborative projects that connect students with industry professionals across the Massachusetts region. By fostering a culture of creativity and technical problem-solving, Calder Russell directly impacts the extracurricular enrichment opportunities available to students. Russell manages the club budget and resource acquisition to support hands-on learning experiences. Through the promotion of design-based education, the Architecture Club Founder & President cultivates critical thinking skills and spatial awareness, ultimately preparing students for future careers in architecture, engineering, and urban planning while enhancing the overall academic profile of the district.

    Lee McCanne - Chief Information Officer

    Lee McCanne, the Chief Information Officer at Cambridge Public Schools, directs the digital transformation and technological integration across all academic programs. Overseeing the district-wide network architecture, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess reliable access to modern educational tools. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data privacy standards to protect sensitive information within the Massachusetts school system. By implementing scalable software solutions, Lee McCanne directly impacts the efficiency of classroom instruction and administrative workflows. McCanne coordinates with instructional leaders to align technology investments with specific curriculum requirements. Through the deployment of advanced digital platforms, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless communication between schools and families, ultimately driving innovation in how the district delivers educational content and manages student data to improve overall learning outcomes.
    Lee McCanne

    Diana Rippee - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Diana Rippee, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cambridge Public Schools, manages talent acquisition, professional development, and labor relations for the entire district. Overseeing the recruitment of high-quality educators, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staffing levels align with the diverse academic needs of the student population. This leadership role involves navigating complex employment regulations and fostering a positive workplace culture across all school sites in Massachusetts. By optimizing performance management systems, Diana Rippee directly impacts the quality of instruction and administrative support provided to students. Rippee collaborates with district leadership to implement retention strategies that keep top-tier talent within the organization. Through the administration of comprehensive benefits and training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a stable and motivated workforce, ultimately ensuring that the district possesses the human capital necessary to achieve its mission of academic excellence.

    Damon Smith - Chief Operations Officer

    Damon Smith, the Chief Operations Officer at Cambridge Public Schools, directs the supply chain, transportation services, and food service programs for the district. Overseeing the complex logistics of daily school operations, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that essential services function reliably to support the educational mission. This leadership role involves managing large-scale contracts and vendor relationships to maximize cost-efficiency across the Massachusetts region. By optimizing transportation routes and nutritional programs, Damon Smith directly impacts the daily experience of students and families. Smith coordinates with school administrators to address operational challenges and implement process improvements that enhance service delivery. Through the rigorous management of non-instructional support systems, the Chief Operations Officer guarantees that the district maintains a stable foundation for learning, ultimately allowing educators to focus entirely on academic instruction and student development.

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

    Who leads Cambridge Public Schools?
    Cambridge Public Schools is led by David Murphy (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Calder Russell (Architecture Club Founder & President) and Lee McCanne (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Cambridge Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cambridge Public Schools includes leaders such as David Murphy (Chief Operating Officer), Calder Russell (Architecture Club Founder & President), Lee McCanne (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cambridge Public Schools have?
    Cambridge Public Schools has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cambridge Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cambridge Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Architecture Club Founder & President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Operations Officer.