FirstLine Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Sabrina Pence, the Chief Executive Officer at FirstLine Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of four public charter schools. Overseeing the alignment of academic goals with the mission to educate the whole child, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every campus maintains high standards for pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade students. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board and external stakeholders to secure the long-term sustainability of tuition-free enrollment. By championing the integration of the Edible Schoolyard program, Sabrina Pence drives the organizational commitment to nurturing mind, body, and spirit. The Chief Executive Officer also monitors regional educational trends to refine the curriculum and improve student outcomes across the New Orleans area. Through consistent focus on operational excellence and community engagement, the Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources to support diverse learning environments and prepares students for future success.

Rebekah Cain, the Chief Operating Officer at FirstLine Schools, manages the complex logistical infrastructure required to support four distinct school campuses. Overseeing facility maintenance, safety protocols, and financial resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that daily operations remain efficient and student-centered. This role involves coordinating with campus leaders to optimize the use of gardens and kitchens within the Edible Schoolyard program, directly impacting the quality of healthy living initiatives. By streamlining administrative processes, Rebekah Cain enables educators to focus entirely on classroom instruction and student development. The Chief Operating Officer also evaluates regional operational risks and implements scalable solutions to maintain the integrity of the tuition-free model. Through rigorous oversight of school-level budgets and infrastructure projects, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the physical environment supports the broader mission of preparing students for college and career readiness.

Brittney Richardson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at FirstLine Schools, architects the talent acquisition and retention strategies necessary to staff four high-performing charter schools. Overseeing the recruitment of educators who align with the mission of educating the whole child, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that every classroom features qualified and passionate instructors. This leadership role involves managing complex labor relations, benefits administration, and professional development programs that enhance the capabilities of the entire staff. By fostering a supportive work environment, Brittney Richardson drives organizational stability and reduces turnover across the network. The Chief Human Resources Officer also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align staffing levels with the specific needs of the Edible Schoolyard program and other unique curriculum requirements. Through the implementation of equitable hiring practices, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the workforce and directly contributes to the academic success of students throughout the New Orleans region.

Scott Shirey, the Chief People Officer at FirstLine Schools, cultivates the internal culture and leadership development pipelines essential for a network of four public charter schools. Overseeing the growth of school leaders and administrative staff, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organizational values of nurturing mind, body, and spirit remain central to daily operations. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that empower employees to excel in the unique educational environment provided by the network. By focusing on employee engagement and wellness, Scott Shirey drives high levels of commitment to the mission of preparing students for college and careers. The Chief People Officer also monitors organizational health metrics to identify areas for improvement in leadership capacity and team collaboration. Through the strategic development of internal talent, the Chief People Officer secures the long-term success of the network and maintains the high standards expected by families across the New Orleans community.