DRC Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

DRC has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, legal compliance, and operational execution.

Focused on delivering high-stakes assessments for global education markets, DRC empowers state agencies and school districts through rigorous data analysis and innovative testing solutions that drive academic success across diverse learning environments.

Leadership Roles at DRC

  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Susan Shannon Engeleiter
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Zappa
  • General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management - Jennifer Eastman
  • Senior Vice President, Operations - Doyle Kirkeby
  • Susan Shannon Engeleiter - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Susan Shannon Engeleiter, the Chief Executive Officer & President at DRC, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Engeleiter manages the expansion of assessment services across pre-K, K-12, and adult education sectors throughout the United States and international markets. By aligning corporate objectives with the needs of state and national government agencies, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures the delivery of high-quality educational testing solutions. Susan Shannon Engeleiter maintains constant communication with the Board to refine long-term growth trajectories and market positioning. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with public, private, and charter school districts to enhance educational outcomes. Through the optimization of internal resources and the pursuit of excellence in assessment technology, Engeleiter secures the competitive standing of the firm. The Chief Executive Officer & President drives organizational efficiency while upholding the mission of providing reliable data for educators and policymakers globally.

    Brian Zappa - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Zappa, the Chief Financial Officer at DRC, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the company. Zappa oversees financial planning, reporting, and risk management processes that support the delivery of assessment services to government and educational clients. By analyzing revenue streams from diverse market segments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of operations across North American and international territories. Brian Zappa collaborates with executive leadership to allocate resources toward technological advancements in testing platforms. This role involves maintaining rigorous compliance standards and financial transparency to satisfy the requirements of state and national government agencies. Through the implementation of robust budgetary controls, Zappa optimizes the cost structure of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial stability, enabling the firm to invest in scalable infrastructure that meets the evolving demands of the K-12 and adult education sectors.

    Jennifer Eastman - General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management

    Jennifer Eastman, the General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management at DRC, directs all legal affairs and contractual obligations for the enterprise. Eastman manages complex negotiations with state agencies, school districts, and private educational organizations to ensure favorable terms for assessment service agreements. By overseeing the legal framework of the company, the General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management mitigates risk and ensures adherence to regulatory standards in the education sector. Jennifer Eastman coordinates with the executive team to align contract management processes with the broader business goals of the firm. This leadership role involves protecting intellectual property and maintaining compliance across all operational jurisdictions. Through the diligent review of service-level agreements, Eastman supports the successful execution of large-scale testing projects. The General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management drives legal integrity, providing the necessary foundation for the company to deliver secure and reliable educational assessments.

    Doyle Kirkeby - Senior Vice President, Operations

    Doyle Kirkeby, the Senior Vice President, Operations at DRC, directs the logistical and technical execution of assessment programs for the K-12 and adult education markets. Kirkeby manages the end-to-end delivery of testing services, ensuring that state and national government agencies receive accurate and timely data. By overseeing the operational infrastructure, the Senior Vice President, Operations optimizes the processes required to support large-scale educational assessments across the United States. Doyle Kirkeby collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate new technologies into the testing workflow, enhancing efficiency and service quality. This role involves managing the production and distribution of assessment materials to public, private, and charter schools. Through the continuous improvement of operational workflows, Kirkeby drives the scalability of the business model. The Senior Vice President, Operations ensures that all logistical operations align with the strategic goals of the firm, maintaining high standards of performance in every project.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DRC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DRC?
    DRC is led by Susan Shannon Engeleiter (Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as Brian Zappa (Chief Financial Officer) and Jennifer Eastman (General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management).
    Who is part of DRC’s executive team?
    The executive team of DRC includes leaders such as Susan Shannon Engeleiter (Chief Executive Officer & President), Brian Zappa (Chief Financial Officer), Jennifer Eastman (General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DRC have?
    DRC has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DRC’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DRC includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel & Senior VP, Contract Management, Senior Vice President, Operations.