KIPP New Jersey Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Erica Grohman, the Chief Financial Officer at KIPP New Jersey, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the charter network. Overseeing budget development and capital planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach classrooms effectively across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. This leadership role involves rigorous audit compliance and financial reporting to maintain transparency with stakeholders and public funding bodies. By analyzing economic trends and operational costs, Erica Grohman secures the necessary capital to expand school offerings and support the KIPP Forward initiative. Grohman collaborates with the Board to align fiscal strategies with the overarching goal of student achievement. Through prudent management of assets and grants, the Chief Financial Officer protects the organization's ability to provide tuition-free education. Ultimately, Grohman drives financial stability, allowing the network to focus exclusively on academic growth and the long-term career success of alumni.

Melissa Cassells, the Chief Operating Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs all internal infrastructure and school-level logistics across the regional network. Overseeing facility management and administrative efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every campus in Newark, Camden, and Paterson maintains a safe, nurturing environment for students. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support academic programs while streamlining daily operations to maximize classroom impact. By implementing scalable systems, Melissa Cassells directly improves the operational capacity of the organization. Cassells manages cross-functional teams to align school-site needs with broader institutional goals, ultimately fostering a stable foundation for student success. Through rigorous oversight of non-instructional services, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that educators possess the necessary tools to deliver high-quality instruction, thereby strengthening the overall mission of providing equitable educational opportunities to families throughout the region.

Charlie Bini, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, architects the strategic vision and academic direction for the entire charter network. Overseeing the implementation of curriculum standards and student support services, the Co-President ensures that schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson meet high performance benchmarks. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with community leaders and educational stakeholders to expand the reach of the KIPP model. By driving initiatives that prioritize student development, Charlie Bini directly influences the academic trajectory of thousands of children. Bini collaborates with the other Co-President to balance organizational growth with the maintenance of a high-quality, nurturing school culture. Through the oversight of instructional leadership teams, the Co-President guarantees that every classroom remains focused on college and career readiness. Ultimately, Bini secures the future of the organization by championing innovative teaching practices and maintaining a steadfast commitment to the success of every student.

Steven Small, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, leads the organizational development and external relations strategy for the network. Overseeing talent acquisition and professional development for educators, the Co-President ensures that schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson attract and retain top-tier teaching talent. This leadership role involves managing the KIPP Forward initiative, which supports alumni through college and career transitions. By cultivating relationships with donors and policy makers, Steven Small secures the resources required to sustain the mission of tuition-free public education. Small works alongside the other Co-President to refine the organizational structure and improve student outcomes across the regional footprint. Through the strategic alignment of human capital and community engagement, the Co-President drives the long-term impact of the network. Ultimately, Small strengthens the connection between the classroom experience and post-graduation success, ensuring that every student receives the support necessary to thrive in a competitive global landscape.