Jefferson County Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jefferson County Public Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, governance, financial management, administrative support, and equity initiatives.

Committed to academic excellence and community development, Jefferson County Public Schools provides comprehensive educational services across elementary, middle, and high school levels to foster student success.

Leadership Roles at Jefferson County Public Schools

  • Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer - Lea Bickett
  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Cordelia Hardin
  • Chief of Staff - Sara Linker
  • Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff & Chief Governance Officer - Jim Engler
  • Chief Equity Officer - John Marshall
  • Lea Bickett - Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer

    Lea Bickett, the Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer at Jefferson County Public Schools, manages critical financial documentation and scheduling for the fiscal department. Bickett organizes complex budgetary records and facilitates communication between the finance office and district stakeholders. By maintaining precise administrative logs, the Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial reporting remains accurate and timely. This leadership role involves coordinating meetings and preparing essential materials for fiscal reviews. Lea Bickett supports the financial team by streamlining office workflows and managing sensitive data related to school funding. Through diligent record-keeping, the Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer enables the finance department to focus on strategic resource allocation. Bickett provides the necessary administrative foundation for fiscal planning, ensuring that all financial operations within the district remain organized and compliant with institutional requirements for educational funding.

    Cordelia Hardin - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Cordelia Hardin, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Jefferson County Public Schools, manages the entire fiscal health of the district. Hardin oversees budget development, revenue forecasting, and expenditure tracking to ensure the sustainability of elementary, middle, and high school programs. By directing financial strategy, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer optimizes resource distribution across all resource centers. This leadership role involves reporting to the board on fiscal performance and maintaining transparency in public fund management. Cordelia Hardin architects long-term financial plans that support educational initiatives and infrastructure improvements. Through rigorous auditing and fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer mitigates financial risk while maximizing the impact of available capital. Hardin ensures that every dollar aligns with the district mission, providing the necessary economic stability to deliver high-quality education to students throughout the Louisville area.
    Cordelia Hardin

    Sara Linker - Chief of Staff

    Sara Linker, the Chief of Staff at Jefferson County Public Schools, coordinates high-level administrative workflows to ensure organizational alignment. Linker manages internal communications and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to support the district mission. By streamlining operational processes, the Chief of Staff enables efficient resource allocation across elementary, middle, and high school programs. This leadership role involves monitoring project timelines and advising on policy implementation to maintain educational standards. Sara Linker drives institutional effectiveness by bridging gaps between executive leadership and school-level staff. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains focus on student-centered outcomes. The Chief of Staff also evaluates performance metrics to refine administrative strategies. Ultimately, Linker secures operational stability, allowing the district to concentrate on delivering quality instruction and specialized resource center support throughout the Louisville region.

    Jim Engler - Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff & Chief Governance Officer

    Jim Engler, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff & Chief Governance Officer at Jefferson County Public Schools, directs institutional governance and policy compliance. Engler oversees the alignment of district regulations with state educational mandates to ensure legal and ethical integrity. By managing complex governance frameworks, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff & Chief Governance Officer supports the board in making data-driven decisions. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of regulatory changes to protect the district from operational risks. Jim Engler architects robust internal controls that govern school board interactions and administrative accountability. Through meticulous attention to policy, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff & Chief Governance Officer fosters transparency across all educational facilities. Engler maintains high standards of institutional conduct, ensuring that every resource center and school program operates within established legal boundaries to promote long-term district sustainability.

    John Marshall - Chief Equity Officer

    John Marshall, the Chief Equity Officer at Jefferson County Public Schools, drives initiatives to eliminate achievement gaps and promote inclusive learning environments. Marshall develops strategies to ensure equitable access to resources and advanced programs for all students across the district. By analyzing demographic data and educational outcomes, the Chief Equity Officer identifies systemic barriers and implements corrective policies. This leadership role involves collaborating with school administrators to foster a culture of belonging and academic support. John Marshall architects professional development programs that equip educators with tools to address diverse student needs. Through targeted outreach and community engagement, the Chief Equity Officer strengthens the connection between the district and the families served. Marshall ensures that equity remains at the forefront of all decision-making processes, ultimately creating a more balanced and effective educational landscape for every student within the system.
    John Marshall

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jefferson County Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jefferson County Public Schools?
    Jefferson County Public Schools is led by Lea Bickett (Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Cordelia Hardin (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and Sara Linker (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Jefferson County Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jefferson County Public Schools includes leaders such as Lea Bickett (Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer), Cordelia Hardin (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Sara Linker (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jefferson County Public Schools have?
    Jefferson County Public Schools has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jefferson County Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jefferson County Public Schools includes roles such as Administrative Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff & Chief Governance Officer, Chief Equity Officer.