KIPP New Jersey Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

KIPP New Jersey has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, financial management, and organizational leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and student empowerment, KIPP New Jersey provides tuition-free public charter education across Newark, Camden, and Paterson to ensure every student thrives personally and professionally.

Leadership Roles at KIPP New Jersey

  • Chief Financial Officer - Erica Grohman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Melissa Cassells
  • Co-President - Steven Small
  • Co-President - Charlie Bini
  • Erica Grohman - Chief Financial Officer

    Erica Grohman, the Chief Financial Officer at KIPP New Jersey, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial strategy for the entire charter network. Overseeing budget development and capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach classrooms in Newark, Camden, and Paterson effectively. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and compliance monitoring to maintain the integrity of public funding. By analyzing economic trends and educational spending, Erica Grohman secures the financial foundation required for expanding student access to quality schooling. Grohman collaborates with the board to align fiscal priorities with the strategic goals of the KIPP Forward initiative, supporting alumni career journeys. Through precise management of endowments and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risk while maximizing the impact of every dollar spent. Ultimately, Grohman provides the fiscal transparency and stability that empower the organization to fulfill its mission of academic excellence.
    Erica Grohman

    Melissa Cassells - Chief Operating Officer

    Melissa Cassells, the Chief Operating Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs the daily administrative functions and infrastructure requirements across all school sites. Overseeing facility management and logistical support, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that Newark, Camden, and Paterson campuses maintain safe, nurturing environments for student success. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support academic programs while streamlining internal processes for maximum efficiency. By coordinating with regional directors, Melissa Cassells aligns operational workflows with the broader mission of providing high-quality public charter education. Cassells manages the complex interplay between physical school infrastructure and the evolving needs of the student population. Through rigorous oversight of operational budgets and safety protocols, the Chief Operating Officer sustains the organizational stability necessary for long-term growth. Ultimately, Cassells drives the operational excellence that allows educators to focus entirely on student achievement and college readiness.
    Melissa Cassells

    Steven Small - Co-President

    Steven Small, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, directs the strategic vision and academic growth initiatives across the organization. Overseeing the development of high-performing school models, the Co-President ensures that Newark and Camden campuses meet rigorous educational standards. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with community stakeholders and driving the expansion of KIPP Forward programs to support alumni success. By architecting long-term academic strategies, Steven Small aligns the network with the evolving needs of students in urban environments. Small manages the collaborative relationship with the other Co-President to maintain a unified approach to school culture and instructional quality. Through the implementation of data-driven pedagogical improvements, the Co-President elevates student performance metrics across the entire network. Ultimately, Small secures the organizational trajectory by focusing on sustainable growth and the continuous improvement of the educational experience for every student within the KIPP New Jersey system.

    Charlie Bini - Co-President

    Charlie Bini, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, directs the organizational culture and external relations strategy to bolster the network's presence in Paterson and beyond. Overseeing talent acquisition and leadership development, the Co-President ensures that schools attract and retain high-quality educators dedicated to the mission. This leadership role involves managing public policy advocacy and community engagement efforts to strengthen the impact of charter education. By architecting initiatives that bridge the gap between K-12 schooling and career readiness, Charlie Bini supports the holistic development of students. Bini coordinates with the other Co-President to ensure operational and academic goals remain synchronized with the broader organizational vision. Through the cultivation of strategic alliances and donor relations, the Co-President expands the resources available for student support services. Ultimately, Bini drives the cultural cohesion and external advocacy necessary to sustain the long-term success of the KIPP New Jersey network.

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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 Steven Small (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), Steven Small (Co-President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does KIPP New Jersey have?
    KIPP New Jersey has 4 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, Co-President.