IDEA Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

IDEA Public Schools has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, academic oversight, operational management, and administrative coordination.

Committed to expanding access to high-quality education, IDEA Public Schools delivers a robust network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools across the United States to ensure student success.

Leadership Roles at IDEA Public Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Alireza Meftahi
  • Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent - Jeffrey Cottrill
  • Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent - Alejandra Loya
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations - Layne Fisher
  • Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President - Genevieve Cheng
  • Chief of Staff - Robyn Birkla
  • Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff - Megan Goossen
  • Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff - Kelly Andrews
  • Chief of Staff of Schools Team - Jacklyn Verdin
  • Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent - Kaitlin McDermott
  • 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 architects long-term growth plans to scale the reach of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 education across diverse regions. By aligning organizational resources with academic goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every campus maintains rigorous standards of excellence. Meftahi collaborates with the Board to secure financial sustainability and operational integrity. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes to support the mission of college readiness for all students. Through the implementation of data-driven decision-making, Alireza Meftahi optimizes resource allocation across the network. The Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that foster inclusive learning environments, ultimately strengthening the impact of the organization on communities throughout the United States.

    Jeffrey Cottrill - Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent

    Jeffrey Cottrill, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, manages the academic performance and operational efficacy of the entire school network. Cottrill oversees the implementation of curriculum standards and instructional quality across all campuses. As the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, Cottrill drives the professional development of educators to improve student outcomes in Pre-K-12 settings. This role requires constant coordination with regional leaders to ensure consistent delivery of the educational model. By monitoring key performance indicators, Jeffrey Cottrill identifies areas for improvement and executes targeted interventions to boost academic achievement. The Superintendent maintains high expectations for student growth, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the public charter sector. Through rigorous oversight, Cottrill secures the academic future of thousands of students within the United States.
    Jeffrey Cottrill

    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 daily operations of the executive office. Loya facilitates communication between the top leadership and various departments to ensure seamless execution of organizational goals. As the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, Loya coordinates high-level meetings and tracks the progress of critical school network initiatives. This role requires deep understanding of the educational landscape to provide informed support to the executive team. Alejandra Loya oversees the preparation of strategic reports and presentations that guide decision-making processes. By maintaining rigorous standards for administrative excellence, the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent ensures that the organization remains focused on its mission of providing quality education to students across the United States.

    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 physical and logistical infrastructure of the charter network. Fisher oversees facility management, transportation, and safety protocols to ensure a secure learning environment. As the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations, Fisher drives the implementation of operational standards that support the academic mission. This role involves coordinating with regional teams to optimize resource distribution and maintain high-quality school facilities. Layne Fisher monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and executes efficiency-focused strategies. By managing the logistical backbone of the organization, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations enables the network to expand its reach and provide quality education to students throughout the United States. Fisher ensures that operational excellence supports student success.

    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 of the presidential office. Cheng coordinates high-level communications and ensures that the president's vision translates into actionable plans. As the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Cheng oversees the alignment of departmental goals with the broader mission of the charter network. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and facilitating executive decision-making. Genevieve Cheng drives the implementation of organizational policies that promote excellence in Pre-K-12 education. By streamlining operations within the office, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President enhances the overall effectiveness of the leadership team. Cheng supports the expansion of the network, ensuring that the organization continues to provide high-quality educational opportunities across the United States.

    Robyn Birkla - Chief of Staff

    Robyn Birkla, the Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the leadership team. Birkla streamlines internal processes to ensure that the organization meets its strategic objectives efficiently. As the Chief of Staff, Birkla manages high-priority projects that support the expansion of the charter network. This role involves bridging the gap between administrative functions and academic goals to maintain organizational alignment. Robyn Birkla monitors the execution of key initiatives, providing the necessary support to ensure that leadership decisions translate into tangible results. By optimizing workflows and managing cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall productivity of the executive office. Birkla drives the implementation of operational policies that sustain the mission of providing high-quality education to students across the United States.

    Megan Goossen - Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff

    Megan Goossen, the Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, designs and executes long-term planning frameworks to advance the organization's mission. Goossen identifies emerging opportunities for growth and innovation within the Pre-K-12 charter landscape. As the Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff, Goossen leads cross-functional teams to implement new programs that enhance student learning experiences. This role involves analyzing market trends and internal data to refine the strategic direction of the network. Megan Goossen ensures that all initiatives align with the core values of the organization, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By managing complex projects from conception to completion, the Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff drives significant progress in operational efficiency. Goossen supports the leadership team in achieving ambitious goals that expand educational access throughout the United States.

    Kelly Andrews - Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff

    Kelly Andrews, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy of the network. Andrews oversees the integration of advanced software solutions to support classroom learning and administrative efficiency. As the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff, Andrews manages the deployment of secure data systems that track student performance and operational metrics. This role involves collaborating with IT teams to ensure that all technological resources align with the educational mission. Kelly Andrews drives the adoption of innovative tools that enhance connectivity across all campuses. By optimizing the digital environment, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff supports the organization in delivering high-quality education to students throughout the United States. Andrews ensures that technology remains a catalyst for academic success.

    Jacklyn Verdin - Chief of Staff of Schools Team

    Jacklyn Verdin, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team at IDEA Public Schools, coordinates the operational activities of the academic staff across the network. Verdin manages the logistics of school-level initiatives to ensure that teachers and administrators have the necessary support to succeed. As the Chief of Staff of Schools Team, Verdin facilitates communication between regional school leaders and the central office. This role involves monitoring the implementation of instructional programs to ensure consistency and quality. Jacklyn Verdin drives the execution of professional development plans that empower educators to improve student outcomes. By optimizing school-based operations, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team enhances the learning environment for students throughout the United States. Verdin ensures that the schools remain focused on the core mission of college readiness and academic excellence.

    Kaitlin McDermott - Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent

    Kaitlin McDermott, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, manages the operational workflow for the deputy superintendent's office. McDermott coordinates the execution of academic policies and ensures that school-level initiatives align with the network's strategic goals. As the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent, McDermott facilitates communication between the deputy superintendent and regional leadership teams. This role involves tracking the progress of instructional programs and providing data-driven insights to support decision-making. Kaitlin McDermott drives the implementation of administrative processes that improve the efficiency of the schools team. By managing complex projects and ensuring clear communication, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent supports the organization in delivering high-quality education to students across the United States. McDermott maintains a focus on academic rigor and operational excellence.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding IDEA Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads IDEA Public Schools?
    IDEA Public Schools is led by Alireza Meftahi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jeffrey Cottrill (Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent) and Alejandra Loya (Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent).
    Who is part of IDEA Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of IDEA Public Schools includes leaders such as Alireza Meftahi (Chief Executive Officer), Jeffrey Cottrill (Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent), Alejandra Loya (Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does IDEA Public Schools have?
    IDEA Public Schools has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in IDEA Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of IDEA Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations, Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President.