Federal Way Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Federal Way Public Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including financial management, human resources, communications, district operations, and academic administration.

Committed to academic excellence, Federal Way Public Schools delivers comprehensive K-12 educational services while fostering a supportive learning environment for students across the Washington region.

Leadership Roles at Federal Way Public Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - Sally McLean
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Diane Ellis
  • Chief Communications Officer - Diane Turner
  • Deputy Superintendent - Dani Pfeiffer
  • Chief Finance & Operations Officer - Rob Bryant
  • Sally McLean - Chief Financial Officer

    Sally McLean, the Chief Financial Officer at Federal Way Public Schools, manages the fiscal health of the entire K-12 district. Overseeing budget development, McLean ensures that all financial resources align with educational goals and classroom requirements. The Chief Financial Officer directs long-term capital planning and monitors state funding allocations to maintain operational stability. By implementing rigorous auditing standards, McLean protects district assets and optimizes resource distribution across all schools. This leadership role involves frequent collaboration with the Board to present transparent financial reports and strategic forecasts. Sally McLean maintains fiscal accountability while supporting the broader mission of providing quality education to every student. Through careful oversight of expenditures and revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain academic programs and facility maintenance throughout the district.
    Sally McLean

    Diane Ellis - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Diane Ellis, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Federal Way Public Schools, directs talent acquisition and workforce management for the entire district. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that every classroom features highly qualified educators. Ellis manages labor relations and contract negotiations to maintain a productive working environment for all staff members. By architecting comprehensive benefits packages and wellness programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the diverse needs of the district workforce. Diane Ellis coordinates with department heads to align staffing levels with student enrollment trends and academic demands. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive culture that attracts top-tier talent to the Washington region. Through strategic workforce planning, Ellis drives organizational efficiency and ensures that human capital initiatives directly contribute to the overall success of the K-12 educational mission.
    Diane Ellis

    Diane Turner - Chief Communications Officer

    Diane Turner, the Chief Communications Officer at Federal Way Public Schools, manages all internal and external messaging for the district. Overseeing public relations, media outreach, and community engagement, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that stakeholders remain informed about academic initiatives and district milestones. Turner directs the development of digital content and crisis communication strategies to maintain transparency across the Washington region. By coordinating with school leadership, the Chief Communications Officer crafts narratives that highlight student achievements and district goals. Diane Turner facilitates open dialogue between the administration and the community to build trust and support for educational programs. This leadership role involves managing brand identity and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. Through proactive communication strategies, Turner strengthens the connection between the district and the families served, ultimately enhancing the public perception and community involvement in K-12 education.

    Dani Pfeiffer - Deputy Superintendent

    Dani Pfeiffer, the Deputy Superintendent at Federal Way Public Schools, directs the daily academic operations and instructional leadership for the district. Overseeing curriculum implementation and student performance metrics, the Deputy Superintendent ensures that all schools meet rigorous educational standards. Pfeiffer manages the alignment of classroom instruction with district-wide learning objectives to improve student outcomes across the K-12 spectrum. By collaborating with principals and academic directors, the Deputy Superintendent drives professional growth initiatives and pedagogical innovation. Dani Pfeiffer monitors assessment data to identify areas for improvement and implements targeted interventions to support student success. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Superintendent to execute the strategic vision of the district. Through the oversight of instructional programs, Pfeiffer ensures that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares the student body for future academic and career opportunities.

    Rob Bryant - Chief Finance & Operations Officer

    Rob Bryant, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer at Federal Way Public Schools, directs the logistical and infrastructure requirements of the district. Overseeing facilities management, transportation services, and food service operations, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer ensures that the physical environment supports effective learning. Bryant manages the maintenance of school buildings and the safety of district grounds to provide a secure setting for students and staff. By optimizing operational workflows and supply chain logistics, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer reduces overhead costs and improves service delivery. Rob Bryant coordinates with the finance team to align capital improvement projects with available budget resources. This leadership role involves managing large-scale infrastructure investments that impact the entire district. Through the efficient administration of non-instructional services, Bryant enables the academic staff to focus entirely on the delivery of high-quality K-12 education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Federal Way Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Federal Way Public Schools?
    Federal Way Public Schools is led by Sally McLean (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Diane Ellis (Chief Human Resources Officer) and Diane Turner (Chief Communications Officer).
    Who is part of Federal Way Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Federal Way Public Schools includes leaders such as Sally McLean (Chief Financial Officer), Diane Ellis (Chief Human Resources Officer), Diane Turner (Chief Communications Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Federal Way Public Schools have?
    Federal Way Public Schools has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Federal Way Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Federal Way Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Communications Officer, Deputy Superintendent, Chief Finance & Operations Officer.