City Year Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

City Year has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and human capital.

Driven by a commitment to student success, City Year focuses on transforming the future for thousands of students nationwide through impactful AmeriCorps member support in high-need urban schools.

Leadership Roles at City Year

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Balfanz
  • Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group - Elie Torgow
  • Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Larry Sedgwick
  • President - Robert Fleischman
  • Chief of Staff - Shalonda Dukes
  • Chief Information Officer - Ellen Gulachenski
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp - Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP - Rume Joy
  • Senior Vice President, Executive Office and Deputy Chief of Staff - Rebecca Berne
  • Chief of Staff, Advancement - Tara Carr
  • 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 partnerships with schools, districts, and government entities to scale the AmeriCorps model effectively. By championing the organization's mission, James Balfanz drives the transformation of educational futures for students in high-need urban schools across the country and internationally. The Chief Executive Officer's vision ensures City Year maintains its position as a leading nonprofit social enterprise, recognized for fiscal responsibility and operational excellence.
    James Balfanz

    Elie Torgow - Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group

    Elie Torgow, the Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group at City Year, directs strategic financial planning and resource allocation for key organizational initiatives. Torgow oversees the financial health and sustainability of programs designed to support students in high-need urban schools, ensuring effective deployment of capital. This leadership position involves forging strong financial partnerships and managing investment strategies that align with City Year's mission of transforming educational outcomes. By driving fiscal discipline and growth, Elie Torgow enhances the organization's capacity to scale its impact nationwide and internationally. The Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group's expertise is crucial for securing the resources necessary to achieve long-term success.

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

    Larry Sedgwick, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at City Year, manages the day-to-day operational execution across the organization's extensive network. Sedgwick ensures the efficient delivery of services by AmeriCorps members in high-need urban schools, optimizing resource allocation and operational processes nationwide and internationally. This role involves overseeing logistical frameworks and implementing best practices to support the organization's mission of helping students stay in school and graduate. By driving operational excellence, Larry Sedgwick directly contributes to the effectiveness of City Year's student, classroom, and school-wide support initiatives. The Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of's leadership is fundamental to achieving the company's ambitious scale and impact goals.
    Larry Sedgwick

    Robert Fleischman - President

    Robert Fleischman, the President at City Year, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization's national and international operations. Fleischman guides the implementation of City Year's Long-Term Impact strategy, focusing on scaling its model to dramatically increase the urban graduation pipeline and transform educational futures for thousands of students. This role involves fostering key relationships with stakeholders, including government bodies, foundations, and corporate partners, to ensure sustained support for AmeriCorps members serving in high-need urban schools. By championing the organization's mission, Robert Fleischman drives its commitment to fiscal responsibility and operational excellence, solidifying City Year's position as a leading nonprofit social enterprise.

    Shalonda Dukes - Chief of Staff

    Shalonda Dukes, the Chief of Staff at City Year, provides direct operational support and strategic counsel to executive leadership. Dukes ensures seamless execution of key organizational priorities, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to advance City Year's mission of helping students and schools succeed. This role involves managing critical projects and initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of AmeriCorps members serving in high-need urban schools. By optimizing internal processes and communication, Shalonda Dukes strengthens the organization's capacity to deliver high-impact student, classroom, and school-wide support. The Chief of Staff's efforts are vital in driving the organization's ambitious Long-Term Impact strategy and maintaining operational alignment across its national and international presence.

    Ellen Gulachenski - Chief Information Officer

    Ellen Gulachenski, the Chief Information Officer at City Year, architects and oversees the organization's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Gulachenski ensures that robust, scalable IT systems support City Year's extensive network of AmeriCorps members and school partnerships across the nation and internationally. This leadership position involves implementing innovative technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency and data management, crucial for tracking student progress and organizational impact. By driving digital transformation, Ellen Gulachenski empowers City Year to effectively deliver its mission of helping students stay in school and on track for graduation. The Chief Information Officer's focus on secure and advanced technology underpins the organization's ability to achieve its ambitious goals for transforming educational outcomes.

    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, directs all human capital strategies and talent management initiatives. Azikiwe-Oyeyemi oversees the recruitment, development, and retention of City Year's diverse workforce, including AmeriCorps members and staff across numerous locations nationwide and internationally. This critical role ensures the organization cultivates a supportive and high-performing culture aligned with its mission to foster student success. By implementing best practices in human resources, Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi strengthens the capacity of individuals serving in high-need urban schools. The Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Amp, Amp's leadership is fundamental to building and sustaining the dedicated teams essential for City Year's impactful work.

    Rume Joy - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP

    Rume Joy, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP at City Year, spearheads comprehensive human resources strategies and talent development programs. Joy leads initiatives focused on cultivating a robust and mission-driven workforce, essential for supporting AmeriCorps members serving in high-need urban schools across the country and abroad. This executive position involves ensuring equitable and effective talent acquisition, employee engagement, and professional growth opportunities. By prioritizing human capital development, Rume Joy enhances the operational capacity of City Year to deliver its critical services to students. The Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP's dedication to fostering a positive organizational culture is paramount to achieving the company's long-term impact goals.

    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 strategic and operational support directly to the executive leadership team. Berne facilitates the execution of key organizational objectives, ensuring alignment across various departments and initiatives aimed at enhancing student success in high-need urban schools. This role involves managing complex projects, coordinating high-level communications, and driving forward the organization's ambitious Long-Term Impact strategy. By optimizing the efficiency of the executive office, Rebecca Berne plays a vital part in enabling City Year's national and international operations. The Senior Vice President, Executive Office and Deputy Chief of Staff's contributions are essential for maintaining momentum and achieving strategic goals.

    Tara Carr - Chief of Staff, Advancement

    Tara Carr, the Chief of Staff, Advancement at City Year, leads strategic initiatives and operational coordination within the advancement division. Carr ensures seamless execution of fundraising and partnership development efforts, critical for sustaining and expanding City Year's reach to students in high-need urban schools. This position involves managing key projects, facilitating communication between advancement teams and other organizational units, and driving forward the company's growth objectives. By optimizing advancement operations, Tara Carr plays a pivotal role in securing the philanthropic support necessary for City Year's mission. The Chief of Staff, Advancement's focus on strategic alignment strengthens the organization's ability to achieve its long-term impact.

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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 Elie Torgow (Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group) and Larry Sedgwick (Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of).
    Who is part of City Year’s executive team?
    The executive team of City Year includes leaders such as James Balfanz (Chief Executive Officer), Elie Torgow (Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group), Larry Sedgwick (Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of) 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, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Group, Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, President, Chief of Staff.