KIPP New Jersey Executive and Leadership Team

Erica Grohman, the Chief Financial Officer at KIPP New Jersey, directs all financial planning, management, and reporting for the organization's network of tuition-free public charter schools. Grohman is responsible for fiscal integrity, ensuring robust financial controls and strategic resource allocation to support educational programs in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. This leadership role involves developing budgets, managing investments, and securing funding streams necessary for operational sustainability and growth. The Chief Financial Officer also provides critical financial insights to guide strategic decision-making, aligning fiscal health with the mission of empowering students academically and personally. Erica Grohman's oversight extends to financial compliance and the efficient deployment of capital to maximize the impact of KIPP New Jersey's services and the KIPP Forward initiative. This position is fundamental to the organization's ability to serve families and students effectively.

Melissa Cassells, the Chief Operating Officer at KIPP New Jersey, oversees the comprehensive operational framework supporting the organization's tuition-free public charter schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Cassells directs the strategic implementation of policies and procedures that ensure a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. This involves managing facilities, technology infrastructure, and administrative functions critical to daily school operations. The Chief Operating Officer also plays a pivotal role in scaling KIPP New Jersey's impact, driving operational efficiencies that allow for expanded reach and enhanced student support services. Melissa Cassells ensures that all operational activities directly contribute to the academic and personal development goals of students and the success of the KIPP Forward alumni initiative. This leadership function is essential for maintaining high standards of service delivery across all KIPP New Jersey locations.

Steven Small, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, drives the strategic vision and overall direction for the organization's tuition-free public charter schools across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Small leads initiatives focused on academic excellence and student empowerment, ensuring KIPP New Jersey provides a safe and nurturing environment conducive to learning and personal growth. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including families, students, staff, and community partners, to advance the organization's mission. The Co-President also spearheads efforts to enhance the KIPP Forward initiative, supporting alumni in their college and career journeys. Steven Small's leadership is instrumental in shaping the educational philosophy and operational strategies that define KIPP New Jersey's impact. This position is central to achieving the organization's goals of academic success and lifelong opportunity for all students.

Gabriella DiFilippo, the Co-President at KIPP New Jersey, collaborates with Steven Small to guide the strategic trajectory and operational execution of the organization's tuition-free public charter schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. DiFilippo focuses on advancing the core mission of empowering students academically and personally within a supportive environment. This leadership capacity involves overseeing key programmatic elements and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all school sites. Gabriella DiFilippo is dedicated to strengthening the KIPP Forward initiative, ensuring alumni receive comprehensive support for their post-secondary education and career aspirations. The Co-President works closely with leadership teams to drive innovation in educational delivery and maximize the positive impact on families and students. This role is critical for sustaining KIPP New Jersey's commitment to educational equity and student success.

Amanda Poole, the Deputy Co-President, Operations, External, Growth & Innovation at KIPP New Jersey, directs critical functions that expand the organization's reach and enhance its operational capabilities across Newark, Camden, and Paterson. Poole oversees strategic growth initiatives, ensuring KIPP New Jersey effectively serves more students and families with its tuition-free public charter school model. This leadership role involves managing external relations, cultivating partnerships, and driving innovation in educational programming and delivery. Amanda Poole also ensures operational excellence, optimizing systems and processes to support a safe and nurturing learning environment. The Deputy Co-President plays a key part in advancing the KIPP Forward initiative, focusing on scalable solutions for alumni support. This position is vital for KIPP New Jersey's long-term sustainability and its commitment to empowering students for academic and personal success.

Sophie Kramer, the Chief of Staff at KIPP New Jersey, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization's Newark, Camden, and Paterson campuses. This role involves translating the overarching vision into actionable plans, ensuring seamless execution of programs that support student academic and personal growth. Kramer manages cross-departmental projects, fostering collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of KIPP New Jersey's tuition-free public charter school model. The Chief of Staff also serves as a key liaison, facilitating communication between leadership, school teams, and external stakeholders to uphold the organization's mission. By optimizing internal processes and resource allocation, Sophie Kramer drives efficiency and supports the KIPP Forward initiative's goal of empowering alumni in their college and career pursuits. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the integrity and impact of KIPP New Jersey's educational services for families and students.