KIPP New Jersey Executive and Leadership Team

Erica Grohman, the Chief Financial Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs all fiscal planning and resource allocation strategies. Managing the budgetary requirements for schools across Newark, Camden, and Paterson, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term financial sustainability for the entire network. Grohman oversees the procurement processes and grant management systems, aligning capital investments with the core mission of providing high-quality education. By monitoring regional economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes operational spending to maximize classroom impact. Erica Grohman maintains rigorous oversight of audit compliance and financial reporting, providing the Board with transparent data to support strategic decision-making. Through careful management of public funding and private contributions, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary resources to expand educational access. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with other executive leaders to balance immediate school needs with future growth objectives, ensuring that every dollar directly supports student achievement and personal development.

Melissa Cassells, the Chief Operating Officer at KIPP New Jersey, manages the daily logistical functions and facility infrastructure across the network. Overseeing the physical environments in Newark, Camden, and Paterson, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every school site remains a safe and nurturing space for students. Cassells directs the administrative teams responsible for transportation, food services, and safety protocols, maintaining high standards of operational efficiency. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer supports the academic staff in focusing entirely on student outcomes. Melissa Cassells coordinates with regional leadership to implement scalable systems that accommodate the growing student population. This role requires constant evaluation of facility performance and resource distribution to meet the evolving needs of families. Through the optimization of operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives the organizational capacity required to sustain the mission, ensuring that all logistical support aligns with the broader educational goals of the charter network.

Steven Small, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, architects the overarching strategic vision and academic direction for the organization. Focusing on the Newark region, the Co-President drives initiatives that enhance classroom performance and student engagement. Small collaborates with the Board to define long-term goals, ensuring that the educational model remains responsive to the needs of families in urban communities. By fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, the Co-President expands the reach of the KIPP Forward initiative, supporting alumni in college and career transitions. Steven Small monitors academic metrics to ensure consistent quality across all grade levels, from elementary to high school. This leadership role involves mentoring school leaders and aligning instructional practices with the network's core values. Through the implementation of data-driven strategies, the Co-President secures the academic foundation necessary for student success, consistently pushing the organization toward higher standards of excellence and community impact.

Charlie Bini, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, manages the strategic expansion and external relations for the network. Concentrating on the Camden and Paterson regions, the Co-President drives growth strategies that increase student enrollment and community presence. Bini oversees the development of public-private partnerships, ensuring that the organization maintains strong ties with local government and community leaders. By advocating for educational equity, the Co-President secures the political and social support necessary for the network to thrive. Charlie Bini coordinates with the other Co-President to ensure that the organizational culture remains consistent across all geographic locations. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and managing external communications to promote the mission of the charter schools. Through the cultivation of strategic alliances, the Co-President expands the footprint of the organization, providing more families with access to high-quality public education and long-term support services.

Amanda Poole, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation at KIPP New Jersey, designs and implements new programs that foster organizational evolution. Overseeing the integration of innovative teaching tools and external growth strategies, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation ensures that the network remains at the forefront of educational advancement. Poole manages the cross-functional teams responsible for pilot programs and technological upgrades, driving efficiency across all school sites. By analyzing market trends and educational research, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation identifies opportunities for scaling successful initiatives. Amanda Poole collaborates with the Co-Presidents to align these growth efforts with the broader mission of the organization. This leadership role involves managing external relationships with innovation partners and ensuring that new operational models receive proper support. Through the continuous refinement of internal processes, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation strengthens the capacity of the network to serve students effectively.