Chicago Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Public Schools has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and board governance.

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
  • Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving - Ron Kipp
  • Chief Financial Officer - Laura Redenbocker
  • Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer - Walter Stock
  • Chief Operating Officer - Charles Mayfield
  • President - Owen Cummins
  • President - Patrick Schuchard
  • 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 long-term student outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every neighborhood school maintains high standards of instruction. Nghia Duong manages complex relationships with stakeholders to secure resources necessary for urban educational advancement. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of district-wide performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in student achievement. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment where innovation thrives. By prioritizing equitable access to quality learning, the district achieves significant progress in college and career readiness. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the educational mission remains central to all operational decisions across the entire Chicago metropolitan area.

    Ron Kipp - Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving

    Ron Kipp, the Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving at Chicago Public Schools, oversees specialized community engagement initiatives. By leveraging diverse professional experiences, the Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving facilitates unique partnerships that enhance the district's public profile. Ron Kipp coordinates outreach programs designed to connect local resources with classroom needs. This role requires constant interaction with external organizations to expand the reach of educational support systems. By streamlining communication channels, the Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving ensures that community stakeholders remain aligned with the district's core mission. These efforts directly support the broader goal of providing high-quality public education. Through strategic networking and resource allocation, the Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving strengthens the connection between the district and the broader urban environment.

    Laura Redenbocker - Chief Financial Officer

    Laura Redenbocker, the Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Public Schools, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire district. By architecting robust financial models, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach classrooms efficiently. Laura Redenbocker oversees the allocation of funds to support academic programs and infrastructure improvements across all neighborhoods. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board of Education to maintain transparency and fiscal accountability. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for long-term educational success. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends to mitigate risks and maximize the impact of every dollar spent. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the district's mission of preparing students for future success. This role remains critical to the overall stability and growth of the educational system.

    Walter Stock - Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer

    Walter Stock, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Public Schools, manages the district's cash flow, investments, and debt obligations. By overseeing treasury operations, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures liquidity and financial compliance across all district accounts. Walter Stock monitors market conditions to optimize investment returns and minimize borrowing costs. This leadership role involves working closely with financial institutions to maintain the district's credit standing. By providing accurate financial reporting, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer supports the broader fiscal strategy of the organization. Walter Stock implements internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial transactions. Through diligent management of the district's capital, the Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer contributes to the overall mission of providing high-quality education. This role remains vital for maintaining the financial health and long-term sustainability of the school system.

    Charles Mayfield - Chief Operating Officer

    Charles Mayfield, the Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Public Schools, directs the daily logistical operations that sustain the district's vast infrastructure. By overseeing facilities management, transportation, and food services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures a safe and productive learning environment for all students. Charles Mayfield implements scalable systems to improve operational efficiency across hundreds of school sites. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to streamline service delivery and reduce administrative overhead. By focusing on the physical and logistical needs of the district, the Chief Operating Officer enables educators to concentrate on academic instruction. Charles Mayfield drives initiatives that modernize school facilities to meet contemporary safety and technology standards. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief Operating Officer supports the district's commitment to high-quality public education. This role remains essential for maintaining the operational backbone of the entire school system.

    Owen Cummins - President

    Owen Cummins, the President at Chicago Public Schools, leads the Board of Education in setting the strategic direction for the district. By presiding over board meetings, the President ensures that policy discussions remain focused on student achievement and district-wide goals. Owen Cummins collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer to align board priorities with operational realities. This leadership role involves representing the district's interests to the public and government officials. By fostering consensus among board members, the President drives the adoption of policies that promote equitable access to quality education. Owen Cummins oversees the evaluation of district performance and holds leadership accountable for meeting academic targets. Through visionary guidance, the President shapes the long-term trajectory of the school system. This role remains central to the governance and success of the district, ensuring that every decision supports the mission of preparing students for college and career.

    Patrick Schuchard - President

    Patrick Schuchard, the President at Chicago Public Schools, focuses on the legislative and advocacy aspects of board governance. By championing policies that secure state and federal funding, the President expands the resources available for classroom innovation. Patrick Schuchard engages with community leaders to build support for district-wide initiatives. This leadership role involves analyzing legislative trends to anticipate impacts on the educational landscape. By advocating for the needs of urban students, the President ensures that the district's voice remains prominent in policy debates. Patrick Schuchard works to strengthen partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance the quality of public education. Through strategic advocacy, the President supports the district's mission of preparing every child for success in civic life. This role remains critical for navigating the complex political environment and securing the future of the school system.

    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. By managing the flow of information, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education ensures that board members possess the data required for informed decision-making. Lauren Pett coordinates board meetings and tracks the progress of key policy initiatives. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex administrative reports into actionable insights for the Board. By maintaining rigorous standards for governance, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education supports the district's mission of academic excellence. Lauren Pett oversees the preparation of official documents and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Through effective administrative coordination, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education strengthens the governance structure, ultimately benefiting the students and families served by the district.

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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 Ron Kipp (Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving) and Laura Redenbocker (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), Ron Kipp (Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving), Laura Redenbocker (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chicago Public Schools have?
    Chicago Public Schools has 8 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, Grand Puba of Cps. Forner Chief Executive Officer of Bob Soto's Diving, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Acting Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.