Denver Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Denver Public Schools has 8 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, finance, staff management, information systems, and school administration.

Committed to academic excellence, Denver Public Schools provides comprehensive educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. This organization fosters student success across traditional, magnet, charter, and pathways schools throughout the Denver region.

Leadership Roles at Denver Public Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - Velma Rose
  • Chief Operating Officer - Trena Marsal
  • President - Emilia Yergeau
  • Chief Technology Officer - Linda Johnston
  • Chief of Staff - LeAnn Slama
  • Chief Information Officer - Richard Charles
  • Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer - Oswaldo Riggi
  • Interim Chief of Schools - Sito Narcisse
  • Velma Rose - Chief Financial Officer

    Velma Rose, the Chief Financial Officer at Denver Public Schools, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire district. Rose manages revenue streams, grant allocations, and expenditure controls to ensure long-term financial sustainability. By analyzing economic trends and funding requirements, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to support strategic decision-making for school programs. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency in financial reporting and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Velma Rose oversees the audit process and risk management initiatives to protect district resources. Through precise financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer aligns capital investments with the educational goals of the organization. The management of payroll, procurement, and pension obligations remains a critical function under this office. Ultimately, Rose secures the financial health of the district, enabling consistent support for students from preschool through high school graduation.

    Trena Marsal - Chief Operating Officer

    Trena Marsal, the Chief Operating Officer at Denver Public Schools, manages the logistical framework and facility operations essential for daily district functions. Marsal oversees transportation, nutrition services, and building maintenance to ensure safe, efficient environments for all students. By optimizing supply chain processes and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer supports the operational needs of traditional, magnet, and charter schools. This leadership role involves coordinating with external vendors and internal departments to streamline service delivery across the city. Trena Marsal implements rigorous safety protocols and facility management strategies to maintain high standards of physical infrastructure. Through careful budget oversight and operational planning, the Chief Operating Officer maximizes the utility of district assets. The focus remains on creating stable, well-maintained learning spaces that facilitate effective teaching. Ultimately, Marsal secures the operational foundation necessary for the district to meet the educational requirements of the Denver community.

    Emilia Yergeau - President

    Emilia Yergeau, the President at Denver Public Schools, provides the overarching strategic vision and governance for the district. Yergeau leads the board in setting educational policies and long-term goals that define the district's impact on the community. By facilitating public engagement and representing the interests of students and families, the President ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the city. This leadership role involves overseeing the superintendent's performance and ensuring fiscal responsibility across all departments. Emilia Yergeau champions initiatives that promote equity and access to high-quality education for every child. Through collaborative leadership, the President aligns the efforts of the board and executive staff to achieve academic and operational excellence. The management of district-wide policy development remains a core responsibility, shaping the future of the educational landscape. Ultimately, Yergeau drives the mission of the district, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed from preschool through graduation.

    Linda Johnston - Chief Technology Officer

    Linda Johnston, the Chief Technology Officer at Denver Public Schools, directs the digital infrastructure supporting diverse learning environments. Johnston architects scalable cloud solutions and classroom connectivity tools to enhance student engagement across the district. By managing complex software integrations, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless access to educational resources for students and faculty. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging educational technologies to maintain competitive standards within the K-12 sector. Linda Johnston prioritizes data security and network reliability to protect sensitive information while facilitating digital literacy. Through strategic planning, the Chief Technology Officer aligns technical capabilities with the broader mission of providing equitable education. The oversight of district-wide hardware deployments remains a core responsibility, ensuring that every school possesses the necessary tools for modern instruction. Ultimately, Johnston drives the digital transformation required to support academic achievement in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

    LeAnn Slama - Chief of Staff

    LeAnn Slama, the Chief of Staff at Denver Public Schools, coordinates executive communications and internal policy alignment across the district leadership team. Slama facilitates strategic initiatives and manages the flow of information between the board, the superintendent, and various departments. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain the primary focus of daily operations. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects and resolving complex institutional challenges to maintain operational efficiency. LeAnn Slama fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders to support the mission of providing quality education. Through effective project management and policy implementation, the Chief of Staff drives organizational coherence and accountability. The oversight of executive scheduling and strategic planning sessions remains a core responsibility. Ultimately, Slama ensures that the leadership team functions as a unified entity, directly impacting the success of students and the overall effectiveness of the district.

    Richard Charles - Chief Information Officer

    Richard Charles, the Chief Information Officer at Denver Public Schools, manages the data architecture and information systems that support district-wide decision-making. Charles oversees the implementation of student information systems and data analytics platforms to track academic progress and operational performance. By ensuring data integrity and accessibility, the Chief Information Officer enables educators and administrators to make informed, evidence-based choices. This leadership role involves developing robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard student and staff records. Richard Charles coordinates with technical teams to modernize legacy systems and integrate new software solutions that improve administrative efficiency. Through the strategic use of information technology, the Chief Information Officer supports the district's commitment to educational excellence. The management of data governance policies remains a critical function, ensuring compliance with privacy standards. Ultimately, Charles drives the analytical capabilities of the district, providing the insights necessary to improve student outcomes across all school types.

    Oswaldo Riggi - Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    Oswaldo Riggi, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Denver Public Schools, directs the convergence of information systems and hardware infrastructure. Riggi architects the unified technology roadmap that supports both administrative data needs and classroom instructional tools. By integrating complex network systems with advanced software platforms, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer ensures a cohesive digital environment for the entire district. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale technology procurement and the deployment of innovative learning devices. Oswaldo Riggi manages the technical staff responsible for maintaining system uptime and hardware performance across all school locations. Through strategic oversight of the district's technological ecosystem, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer facilitates seamless communication and resource sharing. The focus remains on building a resilient, future-ready infrastructure that supports diverse educational pathways. Ultimately, Riggi drives the technological advancement required to sustain high-quality learning experiences for all students.

    Sito Narcisse - Interim Chief of Schools

    Sito Narcisse, the Interim Chief of Schools at Denver Public Schools, directs the academic performance and instructional leadership across all district schools. Narcisse oversees the implementation of curriculum standards and professional development programs to enhance teaching quality. By monitoring school-level outcomes and providing targeted support, the Interim Chief of Schools ensures that every student receives a rigorous and equitable education. This leadership role involves collaborating with principals and educators to foster positive school cultures and improve student achievement. Sito Narcisse evaluates instructional effectiveness and adjusts strategies to meet the diverse needs of traditional, magnet, and charter schools. Through the coordination of academic initiatives, the Interim Chief of Schools drives the district's mission of preparing students for graduation and beyond. The management of school performance metrics remains a core responsibility, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement. Ultimately, Narcisse secures the academic integrity of the district, directly impacting the success of the student population.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Denver Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Denver Public Schools?
    Denver Public Schools is led by Velma Rose (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Trena Marsal (Chief Operating Officer) and Emilia Yergeau (President).
    Who is part of Denver Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Denver Public Schools includes leaders such as Velma Rose (Chief Financial Officer), Trena Marsal (Chief Operating Officer), Emilia Yergeau (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Denver Public Schools have?
    Denver Public Schools has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Denver Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Denver Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff.