Leadership Overview
IDEA Public Schools has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, academic oversight, operational scaling, and financial management.
Committed to expanding access to high-quality education, IDEA Public Schools drives academic excellence through a tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter network across the United States.
Committed to expanding access to high-quality education, IDEA Public Schools drives academic excellence through a tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter network across the United States.
Leadership Roles at IDEA Public Schools
Alireza Meftahi - Chief Executive Officer
Alireza Meftahi, the Chief Executive Officer at IDEA Public Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire charter network. Meftahi manages the expansion of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 educational opportunities across diverse regions in the United States. By aligning academic goals with long-term organizational sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every campus maintains rigorous standards. Alireza Meftahi monitors performance metrics to optimize student outcomes and resource allocation. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine the mission of providing equitable schooling. Through the implementation of data-driven initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the operational framework of the organization. Meftahi fosters a culture of accountability and excellence, ensuring that the network remains a leader in the K-12 education sector. By prioritizing student success, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future growth of the entire institution.
Jeffrey Cottrill - Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent
Jeffrey Cottrill, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, oversees the academic integrity and administrative functions of the charter network. Cottrill manages the implementation of curriculum standards across all Pre-K-12 campuses to ensure consistent student achievement. As the primary leader for academic operations, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent drives initiatives that improve classroom instruction and teacher development. Jeffrey Cottrill coordinates with regional leaders to address specific educational needs within the United States. This role requires balancing complex regulatory requirements with the mission of providing high-quality, tuition-free schooling. By analyzing student performance data, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent identifies areas for improvement and implements targeted interventions. Cottrill maintains a focus on scaling the network while preserving the core values of the organization. Through strategic oversight, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent ensures that every student receives a rigorous and supportive learning experience.

Alejandra Loya - Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent
Alejandra Loya, the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, manages the executive agenda and strategic communications for the top leadership. Loya coordinates the efforts of the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent to ensure the network provides high-quality, tuition-free, Pre-K-12 education. As the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, the executive facilitates the execution of organizational priorities across the United States. Alejandra Loya oversees the preparation of strategic reports and ensures that the leadership team remains informed on critical operational developments. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring that the vision of the organization is clearly communicated. By optimizing the workflow of the executive office, the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent enables the leadership to focus on driving student success. Loya maintains a focus on operational efficiency and strategic alignment, ensuring that the network continues to grow and thrive.
Richard Billings - Interim Chief Financial Officer
Richard Billings, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at IDEA Public Schools, directs the financial planning and fiscal management of the charter network. Billings manages the budget allocation for tuition-free, Pre-K-12 schools to ensure the sustainability of the organization. As the Interim Chief Financial Officer, the executive oversees financial reporting, auditing, and resource management across all regions in the United States. Richard Billings collaborates with the leadership team to align financial strategies with the mission of providing high-quality education. This role involves monitoring cash flow, managing grants, and ensuring compliance with educational funding regulations. By optimizing the financial structure, the Interim Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of the network and the improvement of campus facilities. Billings provides critical financial insights that inform strategic decisions regarding growth and operational efficiency. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the financial health necessary to serve students effectively.
Layne Fisher - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations
Layne Fisher, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations at IDEA Public Schools, manages the day-to-day operational functions of the charter network. Fisher oversees the facilities, transportation, and safety protocols required to maintain tuition-free, Pre-K-12 schools. As the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations, the executive drives the logistical strategies that support campus operations across the United States. Layne Fisher coordinates with regional teams to ensure that all schools meet operational standards and provide a safe environment for students. This role involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects and optimizing supply chain processes to reduce costs. By focusing on operational excellence, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations ensures that the network can focus on its primary mission of academic achievement. Fisher monitors performance metrics related to school operations and implements improvements to increase efficiency. Through this leadership, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations supports the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization.
Genevieve Cheng - Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President
Genevieve Cheng, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President at IDEA Public Schools, manages the administrative and strategic functions within the executive office. Cheng coordinates the priorities of the President to ensure the network delivers on its promise of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 education. As the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President, the executive facilitates communication between the board and the leadership team. Genevieve Cheng oversees the implementation of key policies that impact the entire organization across the United States. This role involves managing high-level projects that require cross-functional collaboration and precise execution. By streamlining the operations of the Office of the President, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President enables the leadership to focus on long-term strategic goals. Cheng monitors the progress of critical initiatives and ensures that all departments remain aligned with the core mission. Through this leadership, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President supports the overall stability and growth of the charter network.
Robyn Birkla - Chief of Staff
Robyn Birkla, the Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, manages internal communications and executive workflows to ensure organizational alignment. Birkla coordinates cross-departmental projects that support the mission of providing tuition-free, Pre-K-12 education. As the Chief of Staff, the executive facilitates decision-making processes for the leadership team, ensuring that strategic priorities receive necessary resources. Robyn Birkla oversees the execution of high-level initiatives that impact the entire charter network across the United States. This role involves streamlining operations to improve efficiency and communication between administrative offices and school sites. By managing the flow of information to the executive team, the Chief of Staff enables rapid response to emerging challenges in the education sector. Birkla maintains a focus on organizational health and culture, ensuring that all staff members remain committed to the core mission. Through diligent project management, the Chief of Staff supports the long-term growth and stability of the organization.
Jacklyn Verdin - Chief of Staff of Schools Team
Jacklyn Verdin, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team at IDEA Public Schools, directs the operational support for the academic staff across the network. Verdin manages the logistics and resource distribution required to maintain high-quality, tuition-free, Pre-K-12 education. As the Chief of Staff of Schools Team, the executive ensures that campus leaders have the tools necessary to drive student achievement. Jacklyn Verdin coordinates with regional superintendents to align school-level operations with the broader organizational strategy. This role involves optimizing the support structure for teachers and administrators to improve classroom outcomes. By identifying operational bottlenecks, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team implements solutions that enhance the daily functioning of schools throughout the United States. Verdin monitors the effectiveness of school-based programs and adjusts support strategies to meet evolving educational demands. Through this focused leadership, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team ensures that the academic mission remains the primary priority for all campus operations.
Hector Leiva - Senior Chief of Staff
Hector Leiva, the Senior Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, architectures the strategic planning processes that guide the organization's growth. Leiva manages the integration of long-term goals with daily operational activities to ensure the network provides effective, tuition-free, Pre-K-12 education. As the Senior Chief of Staff, the executive leads high-priority initiatives that span multiple departments and regions in the United States. Hector Leiva facilitates collaboration between the executive leadership and functional teams to ensure consistent progress toward organizational milestones. This role involves analyzing market trends and educational data to inform strategic decision-making. By overseeing complex projects, the Senior Chief of Staff ensures that resources are allocated to maximize student impact. Leiva maintains a focus on operational excellence, driving improvements in organizational structure and performance. Through this strategic oversight, the Senior Chief of Staff supports the continued expansion and success of the charter network, ensuring that the mission remains central to all activities.
Kelly Andrews - Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff
Kelly Andrews, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, directs the technological infrastructure that supports the charter network. Andrews manages the integration of digital tools and data systems to enhance the delivery of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 education. As the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff, the executive oversees the implementation of IT strategies that improve operational efficiency across the United States. Kelly Andrews coordinates with technical teams to ensure that schools have the necessary digital resources to support student learning. This role involves managing the security and reliability of information systems that house critical student and financial data. By optimizing the technology stack, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff enables the organization to scale effectively. Andrews monitors technological trends and implements solutions that drive innovation in the classroom. Through this leadership, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff ensures that the network remains at the forefront of educational technology.
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