City Year Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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 Financial Officer - George Chu
  • Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Larry Sedgwick
  • Chief of Staff - Jen Little
  • Chief Information Officer - Paul Moeller
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP - Rume Joy
  • Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff - Caitlin Ameral
  • 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
  • James Balfanz - Chief Executive Officer

    James Balfanz, the Chief Executive Officer at City Year, architects the organization's strategic direction and long-term impact initiatives. Overseeing the national service network, Balfanz ensures alignment with the core mission of supporting students and schools. This leadership role involves driving the expansion of City Year's presence across urban communities nationwide, focusing on strengthening the urban graduation pipeline. By fostering key partnerships with educational institutions and government bodies, James Balfanz directly influences the organization's capacity to deliver high-impact support. Ultimately, Balfanz secures the sustainable growth and operational excellence required to transform the future for thousands of students.
    James Balfanz

    George Chu - Chief Financial Officer

    George Chu, the Chief Financial Officer at City Year, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Chu ensures the organization's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing the financial aspects of City Year's public-private partnership model, including government grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. By optimizing financial processes and maintaining rigorous fiscal responsibility, George Chu directly supports the effective deployment of resources to schools nationwide. Ultimately, Chu safeguards the financial integrity necessary for scaling impact and achieving educational outcomes for students.

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

    Larry Sedgwick, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at City Year, directs operational strategy and execution across the organization. Overseeing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, Sedgwick ensures that AmeriCorps members are well-supported in their work within high-need urban schools. This leadership role involves managing the logistical and operational frameworks that enable City Year's nationwide presence and impact. By optimizing operational processes and resource management, Larry Sedgwick directly contributes to the organization's ability to scale its support for students. Ultimately, Sedgwick strengthens the operational foundation critical for transforming educational futures.
    Larry Sedgwick

    Jen Little - Chief of Staff

    Jen Little, the Chief of Staff at City Year, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across key departments. Overseeing cross-functional projects and ensuring seamless execution of organizational priorities, Little facilitates effective communication and collaboration. This leadership role involves supporting the Chief Executive Officer in driving the Long-Term Impact strategy and scaling the organization's reach. By streamlining internal processes and coordinating efforts, Jen Little directly contributes to the successful delivery of high-impact support in urban schools. Ultimately, Little enhances the organization's capacity to serve students and achieve graduation pipeline transformation.

    Paul Moeller - Chief Information Officer

    Paul Moeller, the Chief Information Officer at City Year, leads the technology strategy and infrastructure development. Overseeing the implementation and management of information systems, Moeller ensures robust technological support for AmeriCorps members and school partners. This leadership role involves leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the national network. By driving innovation in digital platforms and data security, Paul Moeller directly supports the organization's mission to provide high-impact student, classroom, and school-wide support. Ultimately, Moeller strengthens the technological foundation essential for scaling impact and improving educational outcomes.

    Rume Joy - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP

    Rume Joy, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP at City Year, directs human capital strategy and talent management. Overseeing recruitment, employee development, and organizational culture, Joy ensures a highly effective and engaged workforce of staff and AmeriCorps members. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the organization's mission to help students succeed. By championing best practices in human resources and talent acquisition, Rume Joy directly contributes to building the capacity needed for nationwide service. Ultimately, Joy strengthens the human infrastructure essential for scaling impact and transforming educational futures.

    Caitlin Ameral - Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff

    Caitlin Ameral, the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff at City Year, supports strategic execution and operational coordination. Overseeing key projects and facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, Ameral ensures the smooth implementation of organizational goals. This leadership role involves assisting the Chief of Staff in driving initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of AmeriCorps members' service in high-need schools. By managing critical operational workflows and supporting leadership communications, Caitlin Ameral directly contributes to the organization's capacity for impact. Ultimately, Ameral strengthens the operational backbone necessary for scaling service and improving student 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, leads comprehensive human resources strategies and talent development. Overseeing workforce planning, employee relations, and organizational culture initiatives, Azikiwe-Oyeyemi ensures a robust and supportive environment for all personnel. This leadership role involves aligning HR practices with City Year's mission to empower AmeriCorps members and staff in their service to students. By driving initiatives that enhance employee engagement and professional growth, Joy Azikiwe-Oyeyemi directly contributes to the organization's capacity for sustained impact. Ultimately, Azikiwe-Oyeyemi strengthens the human capital infrastructure vital for scaling service nationwide.

    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, manages critical executive operations and strategic support. Overseeing the coordination of key leadership initiatives and ensuring efficient functioning of the executive office, Berne facilitates the organization's strategic objectives. This leadership role involves providing direct support to senior leadership in driving the Long-Term Impact strategy and scaling the AmeriCorps program. By streamlining executive workflows and enhancing organizational alignment, Rebecca Berne directly contributes to the effective delivery of support to students and schools. Ultimately, Berne strengthens the operational framework essential for maximizing national impact.

    Tara Carr - Chief of Staff, Advancement

    Tara Carr, the Chief of Staff, Advancement at City Year, spearheads strategic initiatives within the advancement division. Overseeing fundraising operations, donor relations, and strategic partnerships, Carr drives the financial sustainability of the organization. This leadership role involves aligning advancement efforts with City Year's mission to support student success and scale its impact nationwide. By cultivating philanthropic support and enhancing engagement with stakeholders, Tara Carr directly contributes to securing the resources necessary for program expansion. Ultimately, Carr strengthens the financial engine vital for transforming educational outcomes for thousands of students.

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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 George Chu (Chief Financial Officer) 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), George Chu (Chief Financial Officer), 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 Financial Officer, Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.