Junior Achievement USA Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Junior Achievement USA has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and market development.

Driven by a commitment to youth empowerment, Junior Achievement USA inspires young people to succeed through comprehensive educational programs that foster financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness, shaping future leaders and innovators.

Leadership Roles at Junior Achievement USA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kristel Dangla-cruz
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michelle Anderson
  • President and Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement - Jack Kosakowski
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Lourdes De
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jeremy Race
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Paul Kappel
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Robert Wise
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Rob Peacock
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kayla Eitreim
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Staab
  • Kristel Dangla-cruz - Chief Executive Officer

    Kristel Dangla-cruz, the Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the non-profit organization. This leadership role involves setting the vision for youth empowerment initiatives and ensuring alignment with the core mission of inspiring young people to succeed. Dangla-cruz oversees the development and implementation of programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness across the United States. By fostering key partnerships and driving organizational growth, Kristel Dangla-cruz ensures Junior Achievement USA effectively reaches and impacts its target demographic. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to guiding resource allocation and championing innovation within the organization's educational frameworks. This executive's focus remains on expanding the reach and effectiveness of programs designed to prepare students for future career success and economic independence.

    Michelle Anderson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michelle Anderson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the organization's nationwide initiatives. This executive champions the mission to inspire young people toward success by overseeing the expansion of programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Anderson drives the organization's growth and impact by cultivating strategic alliances and ensuring the effective deployment of resources. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role involves leading cross-functional teams to enhance program delivery and broaden market penetration. Through dedicated leadership, Michelle Anderson ensures Junior Achievement USA remains at the forefront of youth development, equipping students with essential skills for future economic prosperity and career advancement. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the organization's commitment to empowering the next generation.

    Jack Kosakowski - President and Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement

    Jack Kosakowski, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement at Junior Achievement USA, directs the comprehensive strategic planning and operational oversight for the organization's youth development programs. This leadership position is central to advancing the mission of inspiring young people to achieve economic success through education in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Kosakowski drives the expansion of Junior Achievement's reach across various communities, fostering key relationships with educational institutions and corporate partners. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement's responsibilities include guiding program innovation and ensuring the effective allocation of resources to maximize impact. Through strategic leadership, Jack Kosakowski ensures the organization equips students with vital skills for future careers and economic independence, solidifying its role as a leader in youth empowerment. This executive's efforts are pivotal in shaping the future workforce.

    Lourdes De - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Lourdes De, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, leads the organization's strategic vision and operational framework, focusing on empowering young individuals for future success. This executive directs the implementation of core programs centered on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness, ensuring broad accessibility and impact across the nation. De cultivates essential partnerships with stakeholders to enhance program delivery and expand the organization's footprint. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role involves overseeing resource management and driving initiatives that foster innovation in youth education. Through dedicated leadership, Lourdes De ensures Junior Achievement USA effectively equips students with the skills necessary for economic independence and career achievement, reinforcing the organization's commitment to shaping future leaders. This executive's focus is on maximizing the organization's positive influence on young lives.

    Jeremy Race - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jeremy Race, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, directs the strategic initiatives and operational execution for the organization's nationwide youth empowerment programs. This executive champions the mission to inspire young people toward success by overseeing the development and expansion of curricula in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Race drives organizational growth and impact through the cultivation of strategic partnerships and the efficient allocation of resources. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to enhance program effectiveness and broaden market penetration. Through dedicated leadership, Jeremy Race ensures Junior Achievement USA equips students with essential skills for future economic prosperity and career advancement, solidifying its position as a leader in youth development. This executive's focus is on maximizing the organization's positive influence on the next generation.
    Jeremy Race

    Paul Kappel - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Kappel, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for the organization's critical youth development programs. This executive is instrumental in advancing the mission to inspire young people to achieve economic success through comprehensive education in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Kappel drives the expansion of Junior Achievement's reach by fostering vital relationships with educational institutions and corporate partners nationwide. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include guiding program innovation and ensuring the effective deployment of resources to maximize organizational impact. Through strategic leadership, Paul Kappel ensures the organization equips students with essential skills for future careers and economic independence, reinforcing its role as a leader in youth empowerment. This executive's efforts are pivotal in shaping the future workforce and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.
    Paul Kappel

    Robert Wise - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Wise, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, directs the organization's strategic vision and operational framework, focusing on empowering young individuals for future economic success. This executive spearheads the implementation of core programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness, ensuring broad accessibility and significant impact across the nation. Wise cultivates essential partnerships with stakeholders to enhance program delivery and expand the organization's national footprint. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role involves overseeing resource management and driving initiatives that foster innovation in youth education. Through dedicated leadership, Robert Wise ensures Junior Achievement USA effectively equips students with the skills necessary for economic independence and career achievement, reinforcing the organization's commitment to shaping future leaders. This executive's focus is on maximizing the organization's positive influence on young lives nationwide.

    Rob Peacock - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Rob Peacock, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, leads the strategic initiatives and operational execution for the organization's nationwide youth empowerment programs. This executive champions the mission to inspire young people toward success by overseeing the development and expansion of curricula in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Peacock drives organizational growth and impact through the cultivation of strategic partnerships and the efficient allocation of resources. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to enhance program effectiveness and broaden market penetration. Through dedicated leadership, Rob Peacock ensures Junior Achievement USA equips students with essential skills for future economic prosperity and career advancement, solidifying its position as a leader in youth development. This executive's focus is on maximizing the organization's positive influence on the next generation.

    Kayla Eitreim - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kayla Eitreim, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, directs the strategic vision and operational framework, focusing on empowering young individuals for future economic success. This executive spearheads the implementation of core programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness, ensuring broad accessibility and significant impact across the nation. Eitreim cultivates essential partnerships with stakeholders to enhance program delivery and expand the organization's national footprint. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role involves overseeing resource management and driving initiatives that foster innovation in youth education. Through dedicated leadership, Kayla Eitreim ensures Junior Achievement USA effectively equips students with the skills necessary for economic independence and career achievement, reinforcing the organization's commitment to shaping future leaders. This executive's focus is on maximizing the organization's positive influence on young lives nationwide.
    Kayla Eitreim

    Thomas Staab - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Staab, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Junior Achievement USA, leads the strategic initiatives and operational execution for the organization's nationwide youth empowerment programs. This executive champions the mission to inspire young people toward success by overseeing the development and expansion of curricula in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Staab drives organizational growth and impact through the cultivation of strategic partnerships and the efficient allocation of resources. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to enhance program effectiveness and broaden market penetration. Through dedicated leadership, Thomas Staab ensures Junior Achievement USA equips students with essential skills for future economic prosperity and career advancement, solidifying its position as a leader in youth development. This executive's focus is on maximizing the organization's positive influence on the next generation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Junior Achievement USA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Junior Achievement USA?
    Junior Achievement USA is led by Kristel Dangla-cruz (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michelle Anderson (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jack Kosakowski (President and Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement).
    Who is part of Junior Achievement USA’s executive team?
    The executive team of Junior Achievement USA includes leaders such as Kristel Dangla-cruz (Chief Executive Officer), Michelle Anderson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jack Kosakowski (President and Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Junior Achievement USA have?
    Junior Achievement USA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Junior Achievement USA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Junior Achievement USA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer.