Chicago Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Public Schools has 6 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, operational management, financial planning, board coordination, administrative support, and global community engagement.

Committed to academic excellence and equitable access, Chicago Public Schools delivers high-quality public education to prepare every student for success in college, career, and civic life across diverse urban neighborhoods.

Leadership Roles at Chicago Public Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Macquline King
  • Chief Financial Officer - Walter Stock
  • Chief Operating Officer - Charles Mayfield
  • Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer, Operations - Kimberly Watson
  • International Visual Artist and Global World Volunteer and UNWLA Branch 36 President - Elena Diadenko
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education - Lauren Pett
  • Macquline King - Chief Executive Officer

    Macquline King, the Chief Executive Officer at Chicago Public Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire district. Overseeing academic performance and district-wide policy implementation, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission to provide high-quality public education for every child. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving initiatives that improve student outcomes across all neighborhoods. By fostering innovation in classroom instruction and resource allocation, Macquline King directly impacts the long-term success of students in college and career pathways. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for accountability while navigating the unique challenges of a large urban school district. Through consistent focus on equity and excellence, King secures the necessary support to elevate the district as a national model for urban education reform and student achievement.
    Macquline King

    Walter Stock - Chief Financial Officer

    Walter Stock, the Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Public Schools, governs the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Overseeing long-term financial planning, grant management, and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar supports the core mission of student success. This leadership role involves analyzing complex economic data to inform strategic decisions regarding district-wide investments. By maintaining transparent reporting standards and rigorous internal controls, Walter Stock directly impacts the financial sustainability of the district. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board of Education to align fiscal priorities with academic goals, ensuring that resources reach classrooms effectively. Through prudent management of public funds and proactive risk assessment, Stock secures the economic foundation necessary for the district to thrive as a beacon of urban educational achievement.

    Charles Mayfield - Chief Operating Officer

    Charles Mayfield, the Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Public Schools, manages the daily logistical functions and infrastructure requirements of the district. Overseeing facility maintenance, transportation services, and safety protocols, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical environment supports effective learning for every student. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows to maximize efficiency across all school sites. By streamlining supply chain processes and capital improvement projects, Charles Mayfield directly impacts the functionality of the district's vast real estate portfolio. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with internal departments to resolve complex logistical hurdles that arise within a large-scale urban educational system. Through disciplined management of resources and vendor partnerships, Mayfield maintains the operational stability required to sustain high-quality public education initiatives throughout the entire district.
    Charles Mayfield

    Kimberly Watson - Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer, Operations

    Kimberly Watson, the Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer, Operations at Chicago Public Schools, coordinates the strategic initiatives and administrative functions within the operations division. Overseeing cross-departmental projects and operational communications, the Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer, Operations ensures that the operational team remains focused on key performance indicators. This leadership role involves managing internal workflows and resolving complex administrative challenges to support the broader operational mission. By bridging the gap between executive strategy and daily execution, Kimberly Watson directly impacts the effectiveness of district-wide support services. The Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer, Operations maintains alignment across various operational units to ensure consistent service delivery. Through proactive project management and stakeholder engagement, Watson drives the operational excellence necessary to support high-quality public education.

    Elena Diadenko - International Visual Artist and Global World Volunteer and UNWLA Branch 36 President

    Elena Diadenko, the International Visual Artist and Global World Volunteer and UNWLA Branch 36 President at Chicago Public Schools, directs community outreach and cultural enrichment programs that extend the district's reach into the global sphere. Overseeing volunteer engagement and international partnerships, the International Visual Artist and Global World Volunteer and UNWLA Branch 36 President ensures that students gain exposure to diverse perspectives and global civic life. This leadership role involves organizing cultural initiatives that enhance the educational experience beyond traditional classroom boundaries. By fostering connections with international organizations, Elena Diadenko directly impacts the district's ability to prepare students for a globalized world. The International Visual Artist and Global World Volunteer and UNWLA Branch 36 President coordinates with community leaders to promote civic engagement and artistic development. Through these efforts, Diadenko strengthens the district's commitment to holistic student growth.

    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 district leadership and the governing board. Overseeing the preparation of board materials and the execution of governance protocols, the Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education ensures that all administrative processes adhere to legal and ethical standards. This leadership role involves coordinating complex schedules and managing high-level correspondence to support effective decision-making. By streamlining the flow of information, Lauren Pett directly impacts the efficiency of board meetings and policy development. The Deputy Chief of Staff, To The Board of Education maintains clear channels of communication to ensure that board directives translate into actionable district strategies. Through meticulous attention to detail, Pett supports the governance structure required to advance the district's mission.

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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 Macquline King (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Walter Stock (Chief Financial Officer) and Charles Mayfield (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Chicago Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Chicago Public Schools includes leaders such as Macquline King (Chief Executive Officer), Walter Stock (Chief Financial Officer), Charles Mayfield (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chicago Public Schools have?
    Chicago Public Schools has 6 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, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer, Operations, International Visual Artist and Global World Volunteer and UNWLA Branch 36 President.