Douglas County School District Executive and Leadership Team

Kate Kotaska, the Chief Financial Officer at Douglas County School District, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy. Overseeing budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning, Kotaska ensures the district's economic health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing expenditures across all educational programs and administrative functions, aligning financial resources with strategic objectives. By optimizing financial processes and reporting, Kate Kotaska directly supports the district's mission to exceed academic growth expectations and prepare students for future success. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to financial compliance and the efficient management of funds to maximize educational impact across the diverse community served.

Steven Herzog, the Chief Operating Officer at Douglas County School District, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency and effectiveness of the district's facilities and support services. Overseeing infrastructure, logistics, and resource deployment, Herzog ensures that all operational aspects align with the district's educational goals. This critical role involves optimizing processes for nutrition services, transportation, and facility maintenance, directly supporting a seamless learning environment. By driving operational improvements, Steven Herzog enhances the district's capacity to serve students from preschool through 5th grade. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational excellence underpins the school's commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment for students and families across its diverse community.

Mark Blair, the Chief Technology Officer at Douglas County School District, architects and oversees the district's technology infrastructure and digital learning initiatives. Directing the implementation of educational technologies and IT support systems, Blair ensures that students and staff have access to cutting-edge tools. This role is pivotal in preparing students for an ever-changing world by integrating technology into the curriculum and administrative functions. By driving technological innovation, Mark Blair enhances the district's ability to exceed academic growth expectations and deliver robust educational programs. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic vision ensures that technology serves as a powerful enabler of learning and operational efficiency across the district.

Steve Colella, the Chief of Staff at Douglas County School District, provides strategic support and facilitates cross-functional collaboration among executive leadership. Overseeing key initiatives and ensuring alignment with the district's overarching mission, Colella drives operational effectiveness and communication flow. This position is essential for translating strategic priorities into actionable plans and managing special projects that enhance the educational experience. By coordinating efforts across departments, Steve Colella ensures that the district operates cohesively and efficiently. The Chief of Staff's role is instrumental in fostering a supportive learning environment and preparing students for future challenges by optimizing internal processes and leadership alignment.

Richard Cosgrove, the Chief Operations Officer at Douglas County School District, directs the strategic planning and execution of all operational functions critical to student success. Overseeing the integration of services such as nutrition, transportation, and facility management, Cosgrove ensures a safe and conducive learning environment. This leadership position focuses on optimizing resource utilization and enhancing operational workflows to support academic growth. By driving efficiency in support services, Richard Cosgrove directly contributes to the district's commitment to exceeding educational expectations. The Chief Operations Officer's purview ensures that the physical and logistical aspects of the district effectively support its educational mission across all communities.

Stacy Rader, the Chief Communications Officer at Douglas County School District, leads the strategic development and execution of all internal and external communication efforts. Overseeing public relations, media engagement, and stakeholder outreach, Rader ensures clear and consistent messaging about the district's mission and achievements. This role is vital in fostering strong relationships with parents, community members, and educational partners, reinforcing the supportive learning environment. By managing communication channels effectively, Stacy Rader amplifies the district's commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for the future. The Chief Communications Officer's expertise ensures that the district's narrative accurately reflects its dedication to student growth and community engagement.