Chicago Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Public Schools has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, treasury, board governance, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence, Chicago Public Schools delivers high-quality public education across every neighborhood to prepare students for success in college, career, and civic life.

Leadership Roles at Chicago Public Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nghia Duong
  • Chief Financial Officer - Laura Redenbocker
  • Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer - Walter Stock
  • Chief Operating Officer - Charles Mayfield
  • President - Patrick Schuchard
  • President - Owen Cummins
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education - Lauren Pett
  • Nghia Duong - Chief Executive Officer

    Nghia Duong, the Chief Executive Officer at Chicago Public Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire district. By aligning academic goals with community needs, Duong ensures that every student receives a high-quality education. The Chief Executive Officer manages complex relationships with stakeholders, including the Board of Education and local government entities, to secure necessary resources for urban school improvement. Nghia Duong drives initiatives that elevate student performance metrics across diverse neighborhoods. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of district-wide policies to foster an environment conducive to learning and long-term success. By prioritizing equity and innovation, the Chief Executive Officer transforms educational outcomes for the entire student population. Through rigorous oversight of district performance, Duong maintains accountability standards that define the current trajectory of the organization. This executive leadership remains focused on preparing students for future college and career opportunities within the competitive landscape of modern education.

    Laura Redenbocker - Chief Financial Officer

    Laura Redenbocker, the Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Public Schools, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the district. Overseeing complex financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach classrooms effectively to support student achievement. Redenbocker monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain long-term economic stability for the organization. Laura Redenbocker coordinates with administrative departments to optimize operational spending while adhering to strict regulatory requirements. This role involves presenting detailed financial reports to the Board of Education to facilitate informed decision-making regarding district priorities. By implementing robust accounting practices, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards public funds and promotes transparency across all school operations. Redenbocker drives efficiency in procurement and payroll processes, ensuring that financial systems support the broader mission of providing quality education. Through careful analysis of economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain district-wide programs and infrastructure improvements.

    Walter Stock - Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer

    Walter Stock, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Public Schools, manages the liquidity and investment strategies for the district. Overseeing cash flow and debt management, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital remains available for critical educational initiatives. Stock monitors market conditions to optimize the district investment portfolio and mitigate financial risk. Walter Stock collaborates with banking partners and financial institutions to maintain the fiscal integrity of the organization. This role involves executing complex treasury functions that support the broader financial goals established by the leadership team. By maintaining precise records of all financial transactions, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data for long-term planning and budgetary compliance. Stock drives the implementation of secure payment systems and debt service strategies that protect the district from economic volatility. Through diligent management of liquid assets, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures the continuous funding of essential school programs.

    Charles Mayfield - Chief Operating Officer

    Charles Mayfield, the Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Public Schools, directs the daily logistical functions and facility management across the district. Overseeing the maintenance of school buildings and transportation networks, the Chief Operating Officer ensures a safe and functional environment for students and staff. Mayfield manages large-scale infrastructure projects that support the physical growth of the district. Charles Mayfield coordinates with external vendors and internal departments to streamline supply chain operations and facility services. This leadership role involves optimizing the use of physical assets to maximize educational impact in every neighborhood. By implementing efficient operational protocols, the Chief Operating Officer reduces overhead costs and improves service delivery across the entire system. Mayfield monitors safety compliance and facility standards to meet the evolving needs of the urban school environment. Through strategic management of physical resources, the Chief Operating Officer supports the district mission by providing the essential foundation for academic success.

    Patrick Schuchard - President

    Patrick Schuchard, the President at Chicago Public Schools, leads the governing body in setting the strategic direction for the district. Overseeing the development of long-term educational goals, the President ensures that all policies align with the mission of providing high-quality public education. Schuchard facilitates board discussions to address the diverse needs of students across all neighborhoods. Patrick Schuchard represents the district in high-level negotiations and community forums to build support for educational initiatives. This leadership role involves evaluating district performance against established benchmarks to ensure continuous improvement. By fostering collaboration among board members, the President drives consensus on critical issues such as curriculum standards and resource allocation. Schuchard monitors the implementation of board-approved policies to ensure they achieve the intended impact on student outcomes. Through visionary leadership, the President guides the district toward achieving its objectives for college and career readiness. This executive role remains central to maintaining the public trust and advancing the educational mission of the organization.

    Owen Cummins - President

    Owen Cummins, the President at Chicago Public Schools, focuses on the legislative and advocacy aspects of district governance. Overseeing the relationship with state and federal policymakers, the President ensures that the district secures necessary funding and legislative support. Cummins manages the advocacy agenda to influence educational policy in ways that benefit urban school districts. Owen Cummins collaborates with other board members to refine the strategic vision and address systemic challenges in the educational landscape. This leadership role involves analyzing the impact of external regulations on district operations and student success. By championing the needs of the student population, the President drives public awareness and support for district initiatives. Cummins monitors the effectiveness of advocacy efforts to ensure they translate into tangible benefits for schools and classrooms. Through strategic engagement with external partners, the President strengthens the position of the district within the broader educational ecosystem. This executive role remains dedicated to securing the resources and policy environment required for long-term success.

    Lauren Pett - Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education

    Lauren Pett, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education at Chicago Public Schools, facilitates communication and policy alignment between the Board and district leadership. Overseeing the administrative workflow for board meetings, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education ensures that all governance processes adhere to legal and ethical standards. Pett manages the flow of information to board members, enabling informed decision-making on critical educational policies. Lauren Pett coordinates with executive leadership to translate board directives into actionable district strategies. This role involves managing complex stakeholder engagement and ensuring that community feedback reaches the decision-making body effectively. By streamlining the administrative functions of the Board, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education promotes transparency and accountability throughout the organization. Pett drives the development of policy frameworks that support the district mission of academic excellence. Through meticulous organization and strategic communication, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education maintains the operational efficiency of the governing body.

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

    Who leads Chicago Public Schools?
    Chicago Public Schools is led by Nghia Duong (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Laura Redenbocker (Chief Financial Officer) and Walter Stock (Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Chicago Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Chicago Public Schools includes leaders such as Nghia Duong (Chief Executive Officer), Laura Redenbocker (Chief Financial Officer), Walter Stock (Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chicago Public Schools have?
    Chicago Public Schools has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Chicago Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Chicago Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.