Kalamazoo RESA Executive and Leadership Team

Robert Polderman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Kalamazoo RESA, directs the overarching strategic vision for all educational programs and specialized services. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with local school districts and community organizations to ensure equitable access to learning resources. By aligning organizational goals with the needs of the Greater Kalamazoo region, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that support early childhood development and career readiness. Robert Polderman maintains constant communication with the Board of Trustees to facilitate long-term institutional growth and operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of agency-wide performance metrics, the President & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all educational offerings meet high standards of excellence. This executive position requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the mission of providing inclusive support for diverse student populations, ultimately strengthening the educational infrastructure across the entire service area.

Jodi DeKuiper, the Chief Financial Officer at Kalamazoo RESA, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation strategies necessary for delivering transformative educational services. Overseeing the budgeting process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds support critical areas such as special education and educator support services. This role involves analyzing financial data to optimize resource distribution across the Greater Kalamazoo region, thereby maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on student programs. Jodi DeKuiper collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial planning with the long-term mission of the agency. By implementing robust internal controls and transparent reporting mechanisms, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of all financial operations. This position requires constant monitoring of economic trends and funding streams to secure the sustainability of essential community initiatives. Through precise financial stewardship, the Chief Financial Officer enables the agency to expand its reach and improve educational outcomes for all learners.

Skip Knowles, the President at Kalamazoo RESA, focuses on the operational execution of specialized services and the advancement of career development programs. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal departments to ensure that educational offerings remain responsive to the evolving needs of local schools and families. By driving operational excellence, the President facilitates the delivery of high-quality support services that empower learners throughout the Greater Kalamazoo region. Skip Knowles works closely with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable programs that enhance student success. This position requires managing cross-functional teams to maintain the efficiency of agency operations and the effectiveness of service delivery. Through a commitment to inclusive education, the President ensures that all programs align with the core mission of the agency. By fostering collaboration among educators and community partners, the President strengthens the overall impact of the organization on the regional educational landscape.

James Harrington, the President of Board of Trustees at Kalamazoo RESA, governs the policy framework and strategic direction of the agency to ensure alignment with community needs. This leadership role involves presiding over board meetings and facilitating high-level decision-making processes that guide the organization toward its mission of providing equitable educational programs. By overseeing the governance structure, the President of Board of Trustees ensures accountability and transparency in all agency activities. James Harrington works in tandem with the executive leadership team to address the complex challenges facing schools and families in the Greater Kalamazoo region. This position requires balancing diverse stakeholder interests while maintaining a focus on long-term institutional stability and growth. Through the establishment of clear policy guidelines, the President of Board of Trustees supports the implementation of effective special education and career development initiatives. This executive role remains vital for maintaining the public trust and ensuring the continued success of the agency.