IDEA Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

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 academic programs across diverse regions, ensuring that every campus maintains rigorous standards for student achievement. By aligning organizational resources with long-term educational goals, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence and accountability. Alireza Meftahi monitors key performance indicators to optimize resource allocation and improve operational efficiency within the school system. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to secure sustainable growth while maintaining the core mission of providing tuition-free, high-quality education. Through data-driven decision-making, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the institutional framework, enabling the network to scale effectively while meeting the evolving needs of students and families in the United States.

Jeffrey Cottrill, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, oversees the academic integrity and operational performance of the entire charter network. Cottrill drives the implementation of curriculum standards and instructional strategies that define the student experience across all campuses. By managing the complex relationship between academic outcomes and administrative policy, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent ensures that every school remains focused on college readiness. Jeffrey Cottrill coordinates with regional leadership to standardize best practices, fostering a unified approach to education across the United States. This role requires constant evaluation of pedagogical effectiveness and the refinement of school-level management systems. Through rigorous oversight of academic programs, the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent secures the long-term viability of the network, ensuring that all students receive the support necessary to excel in their academic journeys.

Alejandra Loya, the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, manages the critical administrative and strategic functions that support the top executive leadership. Loya coordinates the flow of information and ensures that the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent's priorities are executed across the entire network. By overseeing the operations of the executive office, the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent facilitates effective decision-making and organizational alignment. Alejandra Loya monitors the progress of high-level initiatives, ensuring that all departments remain focused on the mission of providing quality education. This role involves managing sensitive projects, preparing executive briefings, and fostering collaboration across the leadership team. Through the efficient management of the executive office, the Senior Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent ensures that the organization remains focused on its core objectives. Loya drives operational excellence, supporting the network's mission to serve students across the United States.

Layne Fisher, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations at IDEA Public Schools, manages the logistical and facility-related functions that sustain the school network. Fisher oversees the physical infrastructure, transportation services, and safety protocols required to maintain a productive learning environment. By optimizing operational workflows, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations ensures that every campus functions smoothly and safely. Layne Fisher coordinates with regional teams to standardize facility maintenance and resource distribution across the United States. This role involves managing large-scale operational budgets and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Through the strategic oversight of non-instructional services, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations allows educators to focus entirely on student success. Fisher drives continuous improvement in operational performance, ensuring that the network remains a reliable and efficient provider of public education for all enrolled families.

Genevieve Cheng, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President at IDEA Public Schools, manages the high-level administrative functions that support the executive leadership. Cheng coordinates the flow of information between the President and the broader organization, ensuring that strategic priorities receive the necessary attention. By overseeing the operations of the Office of the President, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President facilitates effective communication and decision-making. Genevieve Cheng monitors the progress of key organizational goals, ensuring that all departments remain aligned with the mission of the network. This role involves managing sensitive projects, preparing executive communications, and fostering collaboration across the leadership team. Through the efficient management of the President's office, the Senior Chief of Staff, Office of the President ensures that the organization remains focused on its core educational objectives. Cheng drives operational excellence, supporting the network's mission to provide quality education across the United States.

Robyn Birkla, the Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, manages the daily operations of the executive office to ensure seamless organizational alignment. Birkla coordinates cross-functional projects that bridge the gap between administrative policy and classroom implementation. By facilitating communication between the leadership team and various departments, the Chief of Staff optimizes internal workflows and accelerates decision-making processes. Robyn Birkla monitors the execution of strategic priorities, ensuring that all initiatives remain consistent with the mission of providing high-quality public education. This role involves managing complex schedules, preparing executive briefings, and resolving operational bottlenecks that hinder progress. Through meticulous planning and proactive problem-solving, the Chief of Staff supports the broader leadership team in achieving institutional goals. Birkla maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that the network operates with the efficiency required to serve thousands of students across the United States.

Kelly Andrews, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, directs the digital infrastructure and data management strategies that support the entire network. Andrews oversees the integration of educational technology tools that enhance classroom learning and administrative reporting. By managing the technical roadmap, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff ensures that all campuses possess the connectivity and software necessary for modern instruction. Kelly Andrews coordinates with IT teams to secure student data and maintain the reliability of critical school systems. This role involves aligning technology investments with the broader educational mission, ensuring that digital resources directly contribute to student achievement. Through the implementation of scalable tech solutions, the Information Systems & Technology Chief of Staff drives operational efficiency across the United States. Andrews maintains a focus on innovation, ensuring that the network remains at the forefront of educational technology.

Megan Goossen, the Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff at IDEA Public Schools, leads the development and execution of long-term growth projects across the organization. Goossen identifies emerging opportunities for network expansion and designs frameworks to implement new educational programs. By managing the lifecycle of strategic initiatives, the Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff ensures that the network adapts to changing market demands and educational trends. Megan Goossen collaborates with various departments to align resources with high-priority goals, fostering a culture of innovation and agility. This role involves conducting deep-dive analysis on organizational performance and recommending adjustments to improve overall impact. Through the careful management of complex projects, the Strategic Initiatives Chief of Staff supports the leadership team in achieving sustainable growth across the United States. Goossen maintains a focus on future-proofing the organization, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the long-term success of the student population.

Jacklyn Verdin, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team at IDEA Public Schools, directs the administrative support and operational coordination for the academic leadership group. Verdin manages the internal processes that allow school-level leaders to focus on instructional quality and student outcomes. By streamlining communication and project management within the schools team, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team ensures that all campuses receive the support required to meet performance targets. Jacklyn Verdin coordinates the implementation of network-wide academic policies, ensuring consistency and excellence across all locations in the United States. This role involves managing the logistics of school-based initiatives and resolving operational challenges that impact the classroom. Through the effective management of the schools team, the Chief of Staff of Schools Team supports the broader mission of providing a high-quality education. Verdin maintains a focus on organizational alignment, ensuring that every school remains dedicated to student success.

Kaitlin McDermott, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent at IDEA Public Schools, manages the operational and administrative functions that support the Deputy Superintendent's office. McDermott coordinates the execution of academic policies and ensures that the Deputy Superintendent's strategic vision is implemented across the network. By facilitating communication between the Deputy Superintendent and regional academic leaders, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent optimizes the delivery of instructional support. Kaitlin McDermott monitors the progress of key academic initiatives, ensuring that all programs remain focused on improving student achievement. This role involves managing complex schedules, preparing reports, and resolving operational issues that arise within the academic division. Through the effective management of the Deputy Superintendent's office, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Superintendent supports the network's commitment to excellence. McDermott maintains a focus on organizational efficiency, ensuring that all academic resources are utilized to maximize student outcomes across the United States.