Kalamazoo RESA Executive and Leadership Team

Robert Polderman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Kalamazoo RESA, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the agency. Polderman guides the development and implementation of transformative and equitable educational programs, ensuring they align with the mission to empower learners, families, and schools throughout the Greater Kalamazoo region. This leadership role involves optimizing resources across all service areas, including early childhood education, special education, and career development. Robert Polderman ensures that the agency's offerings foster inclusive education for all students, collaborating with local school districts and community organizations to maximize impact. The focus remains on driving innovation and maintaining high standards in educator support services, solidifying the agency's position as a vital educational partner.

Thomas Zahrt, the Chief Operating Officer at Kalamazoo RESA, oversees the day-to-day operational functions and resource allocation across the agency. Zahrt manages the efficient delivery of specialized services, including early childhood education, special education, and career development programs, ensuring seamless integration with the agency's strategic objectives. This executive ensures that operational processes support the core mission of empowering learners, families, and schools within the Greater Kalamazoo region. Thomas Zahrt's responsibilities include enhancing the effectiveness of educator support services and maintaining robust relationships with local school districts and community partners. The operational framework established by Zahrt prioritizes inclusivity and resource optimization, directly contributing to the agency's commitment to equitable education for all students.

Skip Knowles, the President at Kalamazoo RESA, leads specific strategic initiatives and represents key stakeholder interests within the educational landscape. Knowles focuses on advancing the agency's commitment to transformative and equitable educational programs, particularly in areas such as career development and educator support services. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration between Kalamazoo RESA and its constituent school districts, ensuring that specialized services effectively meet evolving educational needs. Skip Knowles champions initiatives that optimize resources and promote inclusive education for all students served by the agency. The strategic direction provided by Knowles supports the overarching goal of empowering learners, families, and schools throughout the Greater Kalamazoo region, reinforcing the agency's vital role in the educational ecosystem.

James Harrington, the President of Board of Trustees at Kalamazoo RESA, provides critical governance and strategic oversight for the agency's operations and long-term vision. Harrington leads the Board in ensuring that Kalamazoo RESA fulfills its mission of delivering transformative and equitable educational programs and specialized services to empower learners, families, and schools in the Greater Kalamazoo region. This role involves guiding the organization's strategic planning, resource allocation, and adherence to principles of inclusive education. James Harrington ensures that the agency's offerings, from early childhood education to educator support, align with the highest standards of quality and impact. The Board's governance under Harrington's leadership reinforces the commitment to optimizing resources and serving a diverse clientele effectively.