FirstLine Schools Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstLine Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, and talent management.

Dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, FirstLine Schools prepares students for success in college and careers through a unique educational experience that integrates gardens and kitchens to foster healthy living and learning.

Leadership Roles at FirstLine Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sabrina Pence
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rebekah Cain
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Brittney Richardson
  • Chief People Officer - Scott Shirey
  • Sabrina Pence - Chief Executive Officer

    Sabrina Pence, the Chief Executive Officer at FirstLine Schools, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the network of four public charter schools in New Orleans. Overseeing educational programming and institutional growth, Sabrina Pence ensures alignment with the mission to educate the whole child. This leadership role involves driving initiatives that prepare pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade students for success in college and careers. By championing innovative programs like Edible Schoolyard, which integrates gardens and kitchens, Pence enhances learning about food and healthy living. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on providing a great educational experience to all families in New Orleans through tuition-free enrollment. Sabrina Pence's strategic direction solidifies the organization's commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development across all campuses.

    Rebekah Cain - Chief Operating Officer

    Rebekah Cain, the Chief Operating Officer at FirstLine Schools, manages the daily operational framework supporting the network's educational mission. Overseeing the efficient functioning of all four New Orleans campuses, Rebekah Cain ensures that resources are optimized to deliver a high-quality learning environment for pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade students. This executive function involves streamlining administrative processes, managing facilities, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements across the organization. By focusing on operational excellence, Cain directly supports the goal of preparing students for college and careers. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to implementing strategies that enhance the student experience, including the unique Edible Schoolyard program. Rebekah Cain's leadership drives the effective execution of FirstLine Schools' commitment to providing tuition-free education and nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of every child.
    Rebekah Cain

    Brittney Richardson - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brittney Richardson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at FirstLine Schools, leads the strategic direction for all human capital initiatives across the network. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, and professional development, Brittney Richardson ensures that FirstLine Schools attracts and retains exceptional educators and staff dedicated to the mission of nurturing the whole child. This critical role involves developing and implementing policies that foster a positive and productive work environment, supporting the preparation of students for college and careers. The Chief Human Resources Officer's focus includes cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth for all employees, directly impacting the quality of education delivered. By managing compensation, benefits, and performance management systems, Richardson ensures the well-being and engagement of the workforce. Brittney Richardson's leadership strengthens the human resources infrastructure, vital for the sustained success of FirstLine Schools' tuition-free educational programs in New Orleans.

    Scott Shirey - Chief People Officer

    Scott Shirey, the Chief People Officer at FirstLine Schools, drives the strategic vision for talent management and organizational development within the educational network. Overseeing initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and overall workforce effectiveness, Scott Shirey ensures that FirstLine Schools cultivates a supportive and high-performing team dedicated to educating the whole child. This executive function involves developing robust talent pipelines and implementing programs that foster professional growth, directly contributing to the preparation of students for college and careers. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities include shaping the organizational culture to align with the mission of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. By focusing on employee experience and leadership development, Shirey strengthens the human capital foundation. Scott Shirey's strategic approach to people operations is integral to FirstLine Schools' ability to deliver exceptional, tuition-free education and maintain its commitment to the New Orleans community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FirstLine Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FirstLine Schools?
    FirstLine Schools is led by Sabrina Pence (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rebekah Cain (Chief Operating Officer) and Brittney Richardson (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of FirstLine Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstLine Schools includes leaders such as Sabrina Pence (Chief Executive Officer), Rebekah Cain (Chief Operating Officer), Brittney Richardson (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does FirstLine Schools have?
    FirstLine Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in FirstLine Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of FirstLine Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief People Officer.