City Year Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

City Year has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to student success, City Year is dedicated to transforming the future for thousands of students nationwide by providing critical support in high-need urban schools.

Leadership Roles at City Year

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Balfanz
  • Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Larry Sedgwick
  • President - Robert Fleischman
  • Chief of Staff - Jen Little
  • Chief Information Officer - Paul Moeller
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP - Rume Joy
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp - Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi
  • Senior Vice President, Executive Office and Deputy Chief of Staff - Rebecca Berne
  • Chief of Staff, Advancement - Tara Carr
  • Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel & Executive Vice President - Shanuah Beamon
  • James Balfanz - Chief Executive Officer

    James Balfanz, the Chief Executive Officer at City Year, directs the organization's overarching strategy and long-term impact initiatives. Balfanz guides the expansion of City Year's reach to dramatically increase the urban graduation pipeline, ensuring thousands of students nationwide receive critical support. This leadership role involves fostering key partnerships with schools, districts, and government entities to scale the AmeriCorps member program effectively. By championing the organization's mission, James Balfanz drives the transformation of educational futures for students in high-need urban environments. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the core values of service and educational equity, solidifying City Year's position as a leading nonprofit social enterprise.
    James Balfanz

    Larry Sedgwick - Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of

    Larry Sedgwick, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at City Year, manages the comprehensive operational framework supporting the organization's nationwide service. Sedgwick oversees the logistical and administrative functions essential for deploying AmeriCorps members into high-need urban schools, ensuring effective program delivery. This leadership position involves optimizing resource allocation, streamlining operational processes, and maintaining high standards of efficiency across all service sites. By directing day-to-day operations, Larry Sedgwick ensures that City Year can effectively scale its impact and fulfill its commitment to student success. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight is vital for the sustained growth and operational integrity of the organization.
    Larry Sedgwick

    Robert Fleischman - President

    Robert Fleischman, the President at City Year, drives strategic vision and operational excellence across the organization's extensive network. Fleischman focuses on enhancing the impact of City Year's AmeriCorps members in high-need urban schools, ensuring students receive vital support to stay on track for graduation. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, and communities to expand the organization's reach and effectiveness. By championing innovation and service, Robert Fleischman contributes significantly to City Year's mission of transforming educational outcomes for thousands of students nationwide. The President's dedication to service and educational equity is central to the organization's ongoing success.

    Jen Little - Chief of Staff

    Jen Little, the Chief of Staff at City Year, manages critical operational workflows and strategic project execution. Little ensures seamless coordination across various departments, facilitating the implementation of City Year's Long-Term Impact strategy. This role involves close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders to drive organizational efficiency and effectiveness. By overseeing key initiatives and providing direct support to executive leadership, Jen Little enhances the organization's capacity to serve students and schools. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in translating strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring that City Year's mission to help students stay in school and on track for graduation is consistently advanced across all operational facets.

    Paul Moeller - Chief Information Officer

    Paul Moeller, the Chief Information Officer at City Year, architects and oversees the organization's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Moeller ensures that robust and scalable IT systems support City Year's mission delivery across numerous urban schools nationwide. This leadership position involves managing data security, enhancing technological capabilities for AmeriCorps members and staff, and driving innovation in digital tools for student support. By optimizing technology resources, Paul Moeller directly contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of City Year's operations. The Chief Information Officer's focus on technological advancement is crucial for scaling the organization's impact and ensuring seamless service delivery in diverse geographic locations.

    Rume Joy - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP

    Rume Joy, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP at City Year, directs all human capital strategies and talent management initiatives. Joy oversees the recruitment, development, and retention of City Year's dedicated AmeriCorps members and professional staff across its national network. This critical role ensures that the organization cultivates a high-performing, mission-driven workforce capable of delivering impactful support to students. By championing employee engagement and fostering a positive organizational culture, Rume Joy strengthens City Year's capacity to achieve its educational goals. The Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP's leadership is fundamental to sustaining the organization's growth and its commitment to service excellence.

    Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp

    Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp at City Year, leads comprehensive human resources strategies focused on talent acquisition and employee development. Azikiwe-Oyeyemi ensures that City Year attracts and retains exceptional individuals committed to serving in urban schools across the country. This role involves cultivating a supportive and empowering work environment, driving initiatives that enhance staff engagement and professional growth. By focusing on human capital, Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi strengthens the organization's ability to deliver on its mission of helping students succeed. The Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP's expertise is instrumental in building and sustaining a high-caliber workforce dedicated to educational equity.

    Rebecca Berne - Senior Vice President, Executive Office and Deputy Chief of Staff

    Rebecca Berne, the Senior Vice President, Executive Office and Deputy Chief of Staff at City Year, provides critical support to executive leadership and manages key strategic projects. Berne facilitates the smooth functioning of the executive office, ensuring alignment and efficient communication across all organizational levels. This role involves coordinating high-priority initiatives, supporting the Chief Executive Officer, and contributing to the strategic planning process. By enhancing operational effectiveness within the executive sphere, Rebecca Berne directly supports City Year's mission to transform the future for thousands of students. The Senior Vice President's dedication to operational excellence is vital for advancing the organization's ambitious goals.

    Tara Carr - Chief of Staff, Advancement

    Tara Carr, the Chief of Staff, Advancement at City Year, directs strategic initiatives and operational support for the organization's fundraising and development efforts. Carr ensures that advancement activities are closely aligned with City Year's mission and long-term impact goals, driving resource mobilization. This leadership position involves coordinating donor relations, managing key campaigns, and enhancing the effectiveness of the advancement team across national and international affiliates. By optimizing development strategies, Tara Carr plays a crucial role in securing the philanthropic support necessary for City Year's continued growth and success. The Chief of Staff, Advancement's focus on strategic partnerships is essential for sustaining the organization's vital work.

    Shanuah Beamon - Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel & Executive Vice President

    Shanuah Beamon, the Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel & Executive Vice President at City Year, oversees critical legal, compliance, and administrative functions for the organization. Beamon ensures that City Year operates with the highest standards of governance and ethical practice, safeguarding its mission and reputation. This multifaceted role involves providing expert legal counsel, managing corporate affairs, and directing administrative operations to support nationwide service delivery. By ensuring robust legal and administrative frameworks, Shanuah Beamon strengthens City Year's capacity to achieve its educational objectives and maintain its status as a highly-rated nonprofit. The Chief Administrative Officer's comprehensive oversight is fundamental to the organization's stability and sustained impact.
    Shanuah Beamon

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding City Year Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads City Year?
    City Year is led by James Balfanz (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Larry Sedgwick (Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of) and Robert Fleischman (President).
    Who is part of City Year’s executive team?
    The executive team of City Year includes leaders such as James Balfanz (Chief Executive Officer), Larry Sedgwick (Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of), Robert Fleischman (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does City Year have?
    City Year has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in City Year’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of City Year includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, President, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.