City Year Executive and Leadership Team

Jim Balfanz, the Chief Executive Officer at City Year, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Balfanz oversees the national expansion of AmeriCorps service models, ensuring alignment with the long-term impact strategy to increase urban graduation pipelines. By engaging with public-private partners and government stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for sustained growth across diverse urban landscapes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health and organizational efficiency. Jim Balfanz drives the mission to transform student outcomes by scaling high-impact support systems in schools nationwide. Through rigorous oversight of national operations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every community receives the necessary support to help students thrive. Ultimately, Balfanz maintains the organization's status as a top-tier nonprofit by fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in service delivery.

Elie Torgow, the Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group at City Year, directs specialized strategic initiatives that support the organization's broader mission. Torgow oversees the development of unique partnerships and programs that enhance the impact of AmeriCorps service in specific urban markets. By focusing on innovative approaches to student support, the Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of social enterprise. Elie Torgow collaborates with the executive team to integrate these specialized efforts into the national long-term impact strategy. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for growth and efficiency within the education sector. Through the execution of targeted initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group drives the expansion of the graduation pipeline. Torgow maintains a focus on delivering high-quality results that benefit students and schools. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group contributes to the overall success and national reach of the organization.

George Chu, the Chief Financial Officer at City Year, manages the fiscal health and financial planning for the entire organization. Chu oversees the allocation of resources from government, corporate, and philanthropic partners to ensure maximum impact in urban schools. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer supports the organization's 4-star rating for fiscal responsibility and organizational efficiency. George Chu directs the budgeting process to align with the long-term strategy of scaling the graduation pipeline. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of financial performance across all regional sites to ensure sustainability. Through strategic financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer enables the deployment of AmeriCorps members in high-need communities. Chu ensures that every dollar contributes directly to student success and classroom support. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required for the organization to continue transforming the future for thousands of students nationwide.

Larry Sedgwick, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at City Year, manages the day-to-day operational logistics that enable service in urban schools. Sedgwick oversees the infrastructure and administrative processes that support the deployment of AmeriCorps members across the country. By optimizing operational workflows, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of ensures that resources reach the classrooms where they are needed most. Larry Sedgwick coordinates with regional teams to maintain high standards of service delivery and organizational efficiency. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of operational performance to support the long-term impact strategy. Through the management of internal systems, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of drives the effectiveness of the school-wide support model. Sedgwick ensures that the organization operates with the precision required to help students graduate. Ultimately, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of maintains the operational stability necessary for national success.

Nneka Lamarre, the Chief of Staff at City Year, manages the internal operations and executive communications for the leadership team. Lamarre coordinates cross-functional initiatives that support the organization's mission to assist students in high-need schools. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities remain focused on the graduation pipeline. Nneka Lamarre facilitates alignment between the executive office and regional operations, ensuring that national goals translate into effective classroom support. This role requires constant interaction with senior leadership to optimize organizational capacity and efficiency. Through the management of complex projects, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of the long-term impact strategy. Lamarre maintains high standards for operational excellence, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the nonprofit sector. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff provides the structural support necessary for the successful deployment of AmeriCorps members across the country.

Paul Moeller, the Chief Information Officer at City Year, architects the digital infrastructure that supports national service operations. Moeller oversees the implementation of data systems that track student progress and AmeriCorps member impact in classrooms. By leveraging technology to improve organizational efficiency, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data-driven insights inform the long-term impact strategy. Paul Moeller manages the security and scalability of digital platforms used by staff across the country. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate technology into the core mission of helping students graduate. Through the optimization of information systems, the Chief Information Officer drives the ability to measure and report on the success of school-wide support initiatives. Moeller maintains the integrity of the data that powers the organization's public-private partnerships. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer provides the technical foundation necessary for sustained growth and operational excellence.

Caitlin Ameral, the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff at City Year, supports the executive office in driving organizational alignment and strategic execution. Ameral oversees the coordination of key initiatives that bridge the gap between national strategy and regional implementation. By facilitating communication across departments, the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the mission to support students remains the primary focus. Caitlin Ameral manages complex operational workflows that enhance the efficiency of the leadership team. This role involves working closely with the Chief of Staff to streamline internal processes and improve organizational capacity. Through the management of high-priority projects, the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the successful scaling of the graduation pipeline. Ameral ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to high-impact service in urban schools. Ultimately, the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff strengthens the operational backbone of the entire enterprise.

Tara Carr, the Chief of Staff, Advancement at City Year, directs the strategic efforts to secure philanthropic support and build external partnerships. Carr oversees the advancement operations that provide the necessary funding for AmeriCorps members to serve in high-need schools. By cultivating relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors, the Chief of Staff, Advancement ensures the financial sustainability of the organization's mission. Tara Carr coordinates with the development team to align fundraising goals with the long-term impact strategy. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to communicate the value of the public-private partnership model. Through the execution of advancement initiatives, the Chief of Staff, Advancement drives the growth of the urban graduation pipeline. Carr maintains a focus on expanding the donor base to support operations in communities across the country. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff, Advancement secures the resources required to transform the future for thousands of students.

Rume Joy, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP at City Year, manages the talent strategy and organizational culture for the entire workforce. Joy oversees the recruitment, training, and retention of AmeriCorps members and professional staff who serve in urban schools. By fostering an inclusive and high-performing environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP ensures that the organization attracts the best talent to support student success. Rume Joy directs the development of human capital programs that align with the long-term impact strategy. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional leaders to maintain consistent standards for service and professional growth. Through the implementation of effective HR policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP drives organizational capacity and efficiency. Joy ensures that the workforce remains dedicated to the mission of helping students stay on track to graduate. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP builds the team that powers the organization's national impact.

Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp at City Year, manages the specialized talent development and organizational health initiatives. Azikiwe-Oyeyemi oversees the training programs that prepare AmeriCorps members for the challenges of serving in high-need urban schools. By implementing advanced human resources strategies, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp ensures that the organization maintains a high level of staff engagement and performance. Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi directs the efforts to build a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities served. This leadership role involves working with other executives to align talent management with the long-term impact strategy. Through the optimization of HR systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp drives organizational capacity and efficiency. Azikiwe-Oyeyemi ensures that the team remains focused on the mission of helping students graduate. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp strengthens the human foundation of the organization.