KIPP New Jersey Executive and Leadership Team

Erica Grohman, the Chief Financial Officer at KIPP New Jersey, manages all fiscal operations and long-term budgetary planning for the network. Overseeing resource allocation across Newark, Camden, and Paterson, the Chief Financial Officer ensures financial sustainability for tuition-free public charter schools. Grohman directs the audit processes and maintains rigorous compliance standards to support academic initiatives. By optimizing funding streams, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of educational resources for elementary, middle, and high school students. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to align capital investments with the mission of KIPP New Jersey. Erica Grohman monitors economic trends to mitigate risks while maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on student development. Through precise financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain high-quality learning environments across all regional campuses.

Melissa Cassells, the Chief Operating Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs the daily administrative functions and facility management for the entire school network. Overseeing operational logistics in Newark, Camden, and Paterson, the Chief Operating Officer maintains safe and nurturing environments for students. Cassells architects efficient systems for school-level support, ensuring that academic staff possess the tools required for classroom success. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer improves organizational agility and responsiveness to family needs. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional directors to standardize safety protocols and infrastructure maintenance. Melissa Cassells drives operational excellence by implementing data-driven strategies that enhance school performance. Through the management of complex logistical frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of providing high-quality public education to diverse student populations across the state.

Charlie Bini, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, leads the strategic vision and academic direction for the organization. Overseeing the implementation of the Knowledge Is Power Program model, the Co-President ensures high standards of instruction across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Bini directs the development of curriculum frameworks that empower students to thrive academically and personally. By fostering partnerships with community stakeholders, the Co-President expands the reach of the network. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the other Co-President to align institutional goals with student outcomes. Charlie Bini monitors school performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in classroom results. Through the cultivation of a strong organizational culture, the Co-President supports the long-term success of students and alumni. Bini maintains a focus on equity and access, ensuring that every student receives a rigorous education regardless of background.

Steven Small, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, manages external relations and organizational growth strategies. Overseeing the KIPP Forward initiative, the Co-President supports alumni in college and career journeys across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Small directs efforts to secure philanthropic support and public funding to sustain the network. By building relationships with local leaders, the Co-President strengthens the position of the organization within the community. This leadership role involves coordinating with the other Co-President to ensure operational alignment with the mission. Steven Small evaluates program effectiveness to refine the support systems provided to students and graduates. Through the execution of strategic growth plans, the Co-President increases the number of students served by the network. Small drives the development of career-readiness programs, ensuring that graduates possess the skills necessary for success in higher education and the workforce.

Amanda Poole, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation at KIPP New Jersey, architects new programs and manages external growth initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of school sites in Newark, Camden, and Paterson, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation ensures that new facilities meet the high standards of the network. Poole directs the integration of innovative teaching technologies to enhance student engagement. By analyzing market trends, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation identifies opportunities for organizational scaling. This leadership role involves working with the Co-Presidents to translate strategic goals into actionable growth plans. Amanda Poole manages cross-functional teams to execute complex projects that improve the overall student experience. Through the implementation of creative solutions, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation drives the evolution of the educational model to meet the changing needs of families.