IDEA Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Alireza Meftahi, the Chief Executive Officer at IDEA Public Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the entire network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. This leadership position involves guiding the organization's expansion and ensuring educational quality across all campuses. Meftahi's responsibilities encompass fostering innovation in curriculum development and pedagogical approaches, directly impacting student achievement and college readiness. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates closely with the board of directors and senior leadership to set ambitious goals and allocate resources effectively, driving the mission of educational equity. By championing data-driven decision-making, Alireza Meftahi ensures that IDEA Public Schools maintains its commitment to academic excellence and operational efficiency, solidifying its position as a leading charter school network.

Kathleen Zimmermann, the Chief Financial Officer at IDEA Public Schools, directs all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management for the network of tuition-free charter schools. This executive role involves safeguarding the organization's financial health, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and optimizing resource allocation to support educational programs. Zimmermann's responsibilities include developing financial strategies that align with the company's mission of providing high-quality education and fostering student success. The Chief Financial Officer oversees accounting, treasury, and financial reporting functions, providing critical insights to guide strategic decision-making. By managing financial risks and identifying opportunities for fiscal efficiency, Kathleen Zimmermann ensures the long-term sustainability and growth of IDEA Public Schools, supporting its commitment to academic excellence across its campuses.

Richard Billings, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at IDEA Public Schools, provides critical financial oversight and guidance during a transitional period, ensuring continuity and stability in the organization's fiscal operations. This leadership role focuses on maintaining robust financial management practices, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, to support the network's educational mission. Billings' responsibilities involve overseeing the financial health of the organization, ensuring compliance with all fiscal regulations, and optimizing resource deployment across all campuses. The Interim Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to uphold financial integrity and support strategic initiatives aimed at student success. By managing financial resources effectively and mitigating fiscal risks, Richard Billings ensures that IDEA Public Schools continues its commitment to providing high-quality, tuition-free education.

Layne Fisher, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations at IDEA Public Schools, directs the comprehensive operational infrastructure that supports the network's educational mission across all campuses. This executive position involves overseeing critical functions such as facilities management, logistics, and resource deployment, ensuring efficient and effective school operations. Fisher's responsibilities include developing and implementing operational strategies that enhance the learning environment and support student success. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations collaborates with various departments to streamline processes, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. By driving operational excellence and optimizing resource utilization, Layne Fisher plays a pivotal role in enabling IDEA Public Schools to deliver high-quality, tuition-free education consistently.

Genevieve Cheng, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President at IDEA Public Schools, provides strategic leadership and operational support directly to the President, managing high-priority initiatives and ensuring alignment with the organization's long-term vision. This role involves coordinating complex projects, facilitating communication across executive teams, and driving key organizational objectives forward. Cheng's responsibilities include enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness within the President's office and across the broader network. The Senior Chief of Staff acts as a key advisor, translating strategic goals into actionable plans and monitoring their successful implementation. By managing critical projects and fostering collaboration, Genevieve Cheng significantly contributes to the strategic advancement and operational success of IDEA Public Schools, supporting its commitment to educational excellence.

Hector Leiva, the Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, provides direct support to the Chief Executive Officer, managing critical initiatives and ensuring seamless execution of strategic priorities across the organization. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects, facilitating communication between executive leadership and various operational teams, and driving key organizational objectives. Leiva's oversight extends to streamlining internal processes and enhancing operational effectiveness throughout the network of schools. The Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison, translating strategic directives into actionable plans and monitoring progress against established goals. By managing complex projects and ensuring alignment among stakeholders, Hector Leiva plays a vital part in advancing the mission of IDEA Public Schools and supporting its continued growth and commitment to student success.

Jacklyn Verdin, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team at IDEA Public Schools, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational enhancements specifically for the network's academic teams, ensuring alignment with the core mission of educational excellence. This role involves coordinating efforts across various school leadership groups, driving efficiency in instructional delivery, and supporting the implementation of innovative educational strategies. Verdin's responsibilities include managing key projects that impact student learning outcomes and teacher development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Chief of Staff of Schools Team acts as a critical bridge between executive leadership and the day-to-day operations of the schools, ensuring seamless execution of academic goals. By optimizing school-level operations and supporting leadership development, Jacklyn Verdin directly contributes to the success of IDEA Public Schools' students and educators.

Megan Goossen, the Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, leads the planning and execution of critical strategic projects designed to advance the organization's mission and growth objectives. This role involves identifying new opportunities, developing comprehensive project plans, and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation across the network of tuition-free charter schools. Goossen's responsibilities include analyzing market trends, assessing potential partnerships, and driving innovation in educational delivery and operational models. The Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff works closely with executive leadership to prioritize initiatives that yield the greatest impact on student achievement and organizational sustainability. By managing complex strategic endeavors, Megan Goossen ensures that IDEA Public Schools remains at the forefront of educational innovation and continues its commitment to student success.

Kaitlin McDermott, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, provides essential support in managing the Deputy Superintendent's strategic priorities and operational directives across the network. This role involves coordinating key initiatives, facilitating communication between the Deputy Superintendent and various school leadership teams, and ensuring the effective implementation of educational strategies. McDermott's responsibilities include streamlining processes, managing critical projects, and driving operational improvements that enhance the learning environment for students. The Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent acts as a key liaison, ensuring alignment and efficient execution of academic and operational goals. By supporting the Deputy Superintendent's leadership, Kaitlin McDermott contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness and mission fulfillment of IDEA Public Schools.

Kelly Andrews, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, directs the strategic alignment and operational efficiency of the organization's technology infrastructure and information systems. This executive role involves overseeing the implementation of technology solutions that support educational delivery, administrative functions, and data management across the network. Andrews' responsibilities include ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, managing IT budgets, and driving innovation in technological advancements to enhance learning outcomes and operational effectiveness. The Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff collaborates closely with other executive leaders to integrate technology seamlessly into all aspects of the school system. By optimizing IT resources and spearheading technological initiatives, Kelly Andrews ensures that IDEA Public Schools leverages cutting-edge technology to support its mission of providing high-quality education.