KIPP New Jersey Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

KIPP New Jersey has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and strategy.

Driven by a commitment to educational equity, KIPP New Jersey empowers students in Newark, Camden, and Paterson to achieve academic and personal success, fostering a supportive environment for lifelong learning and career advancement.

Leadership Roles at KIPP New Jersey

  • Chief Financial Officer - Erica Grohman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Melissa Cassells
  • Co-President - Gabriella DiFilippo
  • Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation - Amanda Poole
  • Co-President - Steven Small
  • Chief of Staff - Sophie Kramer
  • Erica Grohman - Chief Financial Officer

    Erica Grohman, the Chief Financial Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, Grohman ensures robust resource allocation to support the organization's tuition-free public charter schools across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. This leadership role involves managing financial compliance and optimizing expenditures to maximize student impact and operational efficiency. By developing sustainable financial models, Erica Grohman directly supports the expansion of KIPP New Jersey's reach and the enhancement of its educational programs. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to investment strategies and risk management, safeguarding the long-term viability of the KIPP Forward initiative and its alumni support services. Grohman's financial acumen is critical for maintaining the integrity of the organization's mission to empower students.
    Erica Grohman

    Melissa Cassells - Chief Operating Officer

    Melissa Cassells, the Chief Operating Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs the operational framework supporting KIPP New Jersey's network of tuition-free public charter schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Overseeing facilities management, technology infrastructure, and administrative functions, Cassells ensures a safe and nurturing environment conducive to student academic and personal growth. This leadership position involves optimizing resource utilization and implementing scalable operational strategies to support the organization's expansion and the KIPP Forward initiative. By driving operational efficiency, Melissa Cassells directly enhances the delivery of high-quality education and support services to families and students. The Chief Operating Officer's purview includes ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all school sites. Cassells' operational leadership is fundamental to the sustained success of KIPP New Jersey's educational mission.
    Melissa Cassells

    Gabriella DiFilippo - Co-President

    Gabriella DiFilippo, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, spearheads the strategic vision and overall direction for the organization's tuition-free public charter schools. Collaborating with the other Co-President, DiFilippo guides the expansion and enhancement of educational programs in Newark, Camden, and Paterson, ensuring students receive a safe and nurturing environment for academic and personal development. This executive role involves fostering key partnerships, driving organizational growth, and championing the mission to empower students for college and career success through the KIPP Forward initiative. By setting high standards for educational excellence and operational effectiveness, Gabriella DiFilippo directly influences the positive outcomes for thousands of students and families. The Co-President's leadership ensures alignment with the national KIPP network's goals while tailoring strategies to meet the unique needs of New Jersey communities.

    Amanda Poole - Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation

    Amanda Poole, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation at KIPP New Jersey, drives strategic initiatives focused on expanding the organization's reach and impact. Overseeing external relations, growth strategies, and innovative program development, Poole ensures KIPP New Jersey effectively serves students in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. This critical role involves cultivating partnerships, identifying new opportunities for student access, and enhancing the operational framework to support scaling efforts. By leading growth and innovation, Amanda Poole directly contributes to the organization's ability to provide tuition-free, high-quality education and robust alumni support through the KIPP Forward initiative. The Deputy Co-President's focus on external engagement and forward-thinking solutions strengthens KIPP New Jersey's position within the educational landscape and its commitment to student success.

    Steven Small - Co-President

    Steven Small, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, co-leads the strategic direction and operational oversight of the organization's tuition-free public charter schools. Working in tandem with the other Co-President, Small guides the implementation of educational strategies designed to empower students in Newark, Camden, and Paterson to thrive academically and personally. This leadership position involves fostering a culture of excellence, managing stakeholder relationships, and advancing the mission to prepare students for college and career success via the KIPP Forward initiative. By championing educational innovation and ensuring robust operational support, Steven Small directly enhances the learning environment and opportunities available to students. The Co-President's commitment to equitable education and student achievement is central to KIPP New Jersey's ongoing impact and community engagement.

    Sophie Kramer - Chief of Staff

    Sophie Kramer, the Chief of Staff at KIPP New Jersey, orchestrates strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization. Supporting the Co-Presidents, Kramer facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring seamless execution of KIPP New Jersey's mission to provide tuition-free education in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. This role involves managing key projects, driving process improvements, and serving as a central point of communication for executive-level priorities. By streamlining operations and enhancing organizational effectiveness, Sophie Kramer directly contributes to the nurturing environment that empowers students academically and personally. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, coordinating board communications, and advancing the strategic goals of the KIPP Forward alumni program. Kramer's focus on operational excellence supports the overall growth and impact of KIPP New Jersey.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding KIPP New Jersey Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads KIPP New Jersey?
    KIPP New Jersey is led by Erica Grohman (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Melissa Cassells (Chief Operating Officer) and Gabriella DiFilippo (Co-President).
    Who is part of KIPP New Jersey’s executive team?
    The executive team of KIPP New Jersey includes leaders such as Erica Grohman (Chief Financial Officer), Melissa Cassells (Chief Operating Officer), Gabriella DiFilippo (Co-President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does KIPP New Jersey have?
    KIPP New Jersey has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in KIPP New Jersey’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of KIPP New Jersey includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Co-President, Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation, Co-President.