KIPP New Jersey Executive and Leadership Team

Erica Grohman, the Chief Financial Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the organization's tuition-free public charter schools across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, Grohman ensures the sustainable financial health necessary to support academic excellence and student empowerment. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing expenditures, and securing funding streams critical for expanding educational opportunities. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Erica Grohman directly supports the mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive academically and personally. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to financial compliance and the strategic deployment of capital to enhance KIPP New Jersey's impact on families and students within its operating regions.

Melissa Cassells, the Chief Operating Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs the operational framework supporting tuition-free public charter schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of educational services. Overseeing school operations, facilities management, and administrative functions, Cassells guarantees a safe and nurturing environment conducive to student academic and personal development. This leadership position involves optimizing resource utilization, implementing best practices in school management, and driving operational excellence across all campuses. By enhancing the day-to-day functioning of KIPP New Jersey's schools, Melissa Cassells directly supports the organization's mission to empower students for success. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic management of operational infrastructure is vital for the continued growth and impact of KIPP New Jersey's educational programs.

Gabriella DiFilippo, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, spearheads strategic direction and organizational leadership for the network of tuition-free public charter schools serving Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Collaborating with the other Co-President, DiFilippo drives the overarching vision for academic achievement and student empowerment, ensuring KIPP New Jersey's commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing educational environment. This executive role involves shaping institutional strategy, cultivating key partnerships, and championing the organization's mission to prepare students for college and career success. By guiding the strategic trajectory of KIPP New Jersey, Gabriella DiFilippo directly influences the expansion of educational opportunities and the positive impact on families and students. The Co-President's leadership is central to advancing the organization's goals and strengthening its presence in the communities it serves.

Steven Small, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, collaborates with the other Co-President to define and execute the strategic vision for the organization's tuition-free public charter schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Small's leadership focuses on advancing KIPP New Jersey's mission to empower students academically and personally, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all learners. This critical role involves overseeing major strategic initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and driving the organization's growth and impact. By directing high-level strategy and operational oversight, Steven Small directly contributes to the success of students on their college and career journeys through the KIPP Forward initiative. The Co-President's dedication to educational excellence underpins KIPP New Jersey's commitment to serving families and students effectively.

Amanda Poole, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation at KIPP New Jersey, drives critical functions that enhance the organization's operational efficiency, external relations, and strategic expansion across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Overseeing key areas of growth and innovation, Poole ensures that KIPP New Jersey's programs are scalable and impactful, supporting its mission to provide tuition-free public charter education. This multifaceted role involves managing external partnerships, identifying new growth opportunities, and fostering innovative approaches to student success and operational excellence. By leading these vital functions, Amanda Poole directly contributes to strengthening KIPP New Jersey's ability to serve students and families effectively. The Deputy Co-President's focus on operations, external engagement, and innovation is integral to the organization's long-term vision and commitment to empowering students.

Sophie Kramer, the Chief of Staff at KIPP New Jersey, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the organization's leadership team, facilitating the execution of key initiatives in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Managing cross-functional projects and driving internal alignment, Kramer ensures that strategic priorities translate into tangible outcomes for students and families. This role involves streamlining communication channels, optimizing organizational processes, and acting as a key liaison between different departments and external stakeholders. By enhancing operational efficiency and fostering collaboration, Sophie Kramer directly contributes to the KIPP New Jersey's ability to offer a nurturing environment for academic and personal growth. The Chief of Staff's focus on strategic execution supports the broader mission of empowering students for college and career success through the KIPP Forward initiative.