Great Hearts Academies Executive and Leadership Team

Jay Heiler, the Chief Executive Officer at Great Hearts Academies, directs the overarching vision and long-term growth strategy for the entire K-12 network. Heiler manages high-level relationships with state education boards and legislative bodies to ensure the continued expansion of tuition-free liberal arts programs. By aligning the mission with operational realities, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for academic success across all campuses. Jay Heiler maintains a focus on institutional integrity, ensuring that every school adheres to the core humanities-based curriculum. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the strategic roadmap for future school openings. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission forward, fostering an environment where classical education thrives. Ultimately, Heiler guarantees that the network remains a premier choice for families seeking high-quality public education.

Matthew Bushard, the Chief Financial Officer at Great Hearts Academies, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire K-12 charter network. Bushard oversees complex financial reporting, capital allocation, and long-term sustainability models to support the expansion of tuition-free liberal arts campuses. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar directly benefits the classroom experience. Matthew Bushard coordinates with regional directors to maintain fiscal compliance across all jurisdictions. This leadership role requires precise management of endowment funds and public funding allocations to sustain the high standards of the humanities-based curriculum. Through meticulous financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates economic risks and secures the financial foundation of the organization. Ultimately, Bushard provides the necessary capital structure to enable the continued growth and academic impact of the network.

Jess Vidal, the President at Great Hearts Academies, executes the daily operational objectives and strategic initiatives that define the K-12 network. Vidal oversees the regional management teams to ensure consistent application of the humanities-based curriculum across all school sites. By coordinating cross-functional efforts, the President maintains the operational excellence required to serve the public tuition-free. Jess Vidal works closely with the executive team to translate high-level goals into actionable school-level programs. This leadership role involves managing external partnerships and community engagement efforts to bolster the reputation of the network. Through the rigorous application of operational standards, the President drives efficiency and ensures that every campus meets the high expectations of the organization. Ultimately, Vidal provides the leadership necessary to sustain the growth and academic quality of the network, ensuring that the mission remains central to all operational activities.

Persephone Lee, the Blue Crew - President at Great Hearts Academies, directs the specialized operational support teams that facilitate the logistical success of the K-12 network. Lee manages the deployment of resources and administrative services that allow individual campuses to focus entirely on the humanities-based liberal arts curriculum. By optimizing support functions, the Blue Crew - President ensures that school leaders have the tools required to maintain a high-quality learning environment. Persephone Lee coordinates with various departments to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve service delivery across the organization. This leadership role involves managing the infrastructure and support systems that underpin the daily operations of the charter schools. Through the effective management of these critical support services, the Blue Crew - President enhances the overall efficiency of the network. Ultimately, Lee provides the essential operational backbone that enables the organization to fulfill its educational mission.

Helen Baxendale, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategy & Analytics at Great Hearts Academies, architects the data-driven frameworks that guide organizational decision-making. Baxendale analyzes student performance metrics and operational efficiency to refine the delivery of the humanities-based curriculum. By integrating advanced analytics into the strategic planning process, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategy & Analytics ensures that leadership initiatives remain aligned with the core mission of K-12 excellence. Helen Baxendale facilitates communication between departments to streamline workflows and improve institutional agility. This leadership role involves translating complex data sets into actionable insights that drive school-level improvements. Through the implementation of robust performance tracking systems, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategy & Analytics supports the long-term scalability of the network. Ultimately, Baxendale optimizes the internal processes that allow the organization to maintain high academic standards.

Jerilyn Olson, the Chief People Officer at Great Hearts Academies, directs the recruitment, development, and retention of high-caliber educators dedicated to the liberal arts mission. Olson manages human capital strategies that foster a culture of academic rigor and moral character development across all campuses. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Chief People Officer ensures that faculty members possess the pedagogical expertise required for a classical education environment. Jerilyn Olson oversees talent acquisition pipelines to support the rapid expansion of the K-12 network. This leadership role involves designing competitive compensation structures and professional growth pathways that attract top-tier teaching talent. Through the cultivation of a supportive and mission-driven workplace, the Chief People Officer maintains high levels of staff engagement and institutional stability. Ultimately, Olson secures the human resources necessary to deliver a transformative educational experience to students throughout the entire organization.