Leadership Overview
High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, institutional development, technology infrastructure, financial management, operational scaling, and academic leadership.
Guided by principles of equity and personalization, High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School fosters authentic learning environments to prepare students for success in a complex global landscape.
Guided by principles of equity and personalization, High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School fosters authentic learning environments to prepare students for success in a complex global landscape.
Leadership Roles at High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School
Diana Cornejo-Sanchez - Chief Executive Officer
Diana Cornejo-Sanchez, the Chief Executive Officer at High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire K-12 network. Overseeing the integration of the four core design principles, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that equity and authentic work remain central to the student experience across all campuses. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain high academic standards while expanding the reach of the charter network. By aligning institutional goals with the needs of the diverse student body, Diana Cornejo-Sanchez drives sustainable growth and educational excellence. Cornejo-Sanchez manages the complex balance between administrative efficiency and the personalized learning model that defines the organization. Through rigorous oversight of school performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the educational mission while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the San Diego region.
Melissa Mouton - Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Melissa Mouton, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School, architects the foundational philosophy and long-term evolution of the charter network. Focusing on the expansion of the Graduate School of Education, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives professional development initiatives that impact educators on a national and international scale. This role involves cultivating partnerships with civic leaders to ensure the organization remains true to the original mission of providing high-quality public education. By championing collaborative design, Melissa Mouton shapes the pedagogical framework that supports thousands of students. Mouton monitors the broader educational landscape to identify opportunities for systemic change and innovation. Through the leadership of the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, the organization maintains a strong commitment to authentic work, ensuring that every student benefits from a curriculum designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Kay McElrath - Chief Financial Officer
Kay McElrath, the Chief Financial Officer at High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School, directs the fiscal health and resource allocation strategies for the entire charter network. Overseeing the budgeting process for thirteen schools and the Graduate School of Education, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets align with the core design principles of equity and personalization. This leadership role involves managing complex funding streams, including public charter allocations and professional development revenue. By optimizing operational expenditures, Kay McElrath supports the expansion of academic programs and the maintenance of high-quality facilities. McElrath collaborates with the executive team to forecast long-term financial needs, ensuring the organization remains resilient in a fluctuating economic climate. Through the diligent management of fiscal resources, the Chief Financial Officer provides the stability required for the network to continue delivering authentic, project-based learning opportunities to students across the San Diego region.
Robert Riordan - President
Robert Riordan, the President at High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School, directs the external relations and institutional advocacy efforts that define the organization's public presence. Overseeing the alignment of the Graduate School of Education with broader educational trends, the President ensures that the network remains a leader in professional development for national and international educators. This leadership role involves representing the organization to civic leaders and policy makers to secure the support necessary for continued growth. By articulating the four design principles, Robert Riordan fosters a deep understanding of the school's approach among stakeholders. Riordan works closely with the executive team to translate the mission into actionable community impact. Through the strategic guidance of the President, the organization maintains its reputation as a pioneer in charter education, consistently driving the conversation around equity and authentic work in the modern classroom.
David Hua - Chief Technology Officer
David Hua, the Chief Technology Officer at High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School, directs the digital infrastructure and technological resources required to support a modern K-12 learning environment. Overseeing the implementation of scalable cloud systems and classroom hardware, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for collaborative design and authentic work. This leadership role involves managing data security protocols and optimizing network performance across all three campuses. By integrating advanced educational technology into the daily curriculum, David Hua enhances the personalized learning experience for over 5,000 students. Hua coordinates with academic leaders to align technical capabilities with pedagogical goals, ensuring that the digital environment supports the broader mission of equity. Through the strategic deployment of resources, the Chief Technology Officer maintains a robust technological foundation that facilitates innovation and prepares the student body for future success in a technology-driven world.
Joanna Clark - Chief Operations Officer
Joanna Clark, the Chief Operations Officer at High Tech Los Angeles Charter High School, directs the daily logistics and facility management required to sustain a large-scale educational network. Overseeing the physical campuses and administrative workflows, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the environment remains conducive to collaborative design and student success. This leadership role involves managing vendor relationships, safety protocols, and the logistical demands of serving 5,300 students across multiple locations. By streamlining operational processes, Joanna Clark increases efficiency and allows educators to focus entirely on the classroom experience. Clark coordinates with the executive team to implement policies that uphold the organization's commitment to equity and personalization. Through the management of complex operational systems, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the infrastructure necessary for the network to function as a cohesive unit, ultimately supporting the mission of providing high-quality public education to the community.

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