Lakeshore Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lakeshore has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, technology infrastructure, human capital, and educational product development.

Committed to fostering early childhood development, Lakeshore delivers high-quality educational resources that empower educators and parents across the nation through innovative learning solutions.

Leadership Roles at Lakeshore

  • Chief Executive Officer - Joshua Kaplan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Dan Klink
  • President - Gary Whitley
  • President - Michele Lucey
  • President, Educational Division - Kevin Carnes
  • Chief of Staff - Kelly Hudson
  • Chief Information Officer - Steven Rosenberg
  • Chief People Officer - Kelli Miller
  • Joshua Kaplan - Chief Executive Officer

    Joshua Kaplan, the Chief Executive Officer at Lakeshore, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By aligning product development with the evolving needs of early childhood programs and elementary schools, Kaplan ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in the educational retail market. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence across all national channels. Joshua Kaplan monitors market trends to refine the company's value proposition, ensuring that every educational material meets rigorous quality standards. Through the optimization of supply chain logistics and retail expansion, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's position as a premier provider of learning tools. Kaplan maintains a focus on scaling the business while preserving the core mission of supporting educators and students throughout the United States.
    Dan Klink, the Chief Financial Officer at Lakeshore, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the development of high-quality educational materials. Klink drives profitability by analyzing retail performance metrics and optimizing cost structures across the national footprint. This role requires close coordination with other executive leaders to fund strategic initiatives and infrastructure investments. Dan Klink maintains rigorous oversight of financial reporting, ensuring transparency and compliance with industry standards. By balancing investment in new product lines with operational efficiency, Klink secures the financial stability necessary for long-term growth. The Chief Financial Officer provides the analytical foundation that allows the company to expand its reach into new educational markets while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
    Dan Klink

    Gary Whitley - President

    Gary Whitley, the President at Lakeshore, oversees the daily operational execution and retail strategy for the company's brick-and-mortar and digital storefronts. By managing the end-to-end retail experience, the President ensures that high-quality educational materials reach early childhood programs and homes across the country. Whitley drives sales performance by optimizing store operations and enhancing the customer journey. This role involves coordinating with supply chain and marketing teams to ensure product availability and brand consistency. Gary Whitley monitors regional market dynamics to identify opportunities for expansion and service improvement. By focusing on operational excellence, the President supports the company's mission to provide accessible learning tools. Whitley maintains a rigorous focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction, ensuring that the retail division contributes significantly to the overall growth and market impact of the organization.

    Michele Lucey - President

    Michele Lucey, the President at Lakeshore, directs the strategic development and management of the company's internal business processes and operational workflows. By focusing on organizational scalability, the President ensures that the company can effectively meet the increasing demand for educational materials in elementary schools. Lucey oversees the integration of new operational systems that improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs. This role involves working closely with other C-suite leaders to align internal capabilities with the company's long-term growth objectives. Michele Lucey drives initiatives that enhance the quality and reliability of the supply chain, ensuring that products are delivered on time to customers nationwide. By streamlining internal operations, the President supports the company's ability to innovate and maintain its leadership position in the educational retail industry. Lucey ensures that all internal functions operate in harmony to support the broader corporate mission.

    Kevin Carnes - President, Educational Division

    Kevin Carnes, the President, Educational Division at Lakeshore, leads the specialized development and distribution of curriculum-aligned materials for schools and early childhood programs. By focusing on the specific pedagogical needs of educators, the President, Educational Division ensures that the company's product offerings remain at the forefront of educational innovation. Carnes directs the research and design teams to create tools that enhance learning outcomes in classrooms nationwide. This role involves building partnerships with educational institutions and school districts to understand and address their unique requirements. Kevin Carnes manages the go-to-market strategy for the educational sector, ensuring that the company's resources effectively support teachers and students. By prioritizing educational impact and product quality, the President, Educational Division drives the company's success in the institutional market. Carnes ensures that the division remains a trusted partner for educators seeking high-quality, effective learning solutions.
    Kevin Carnes

    Kelly Hudson - Chief of Staff

    Kelly Hudson, the Chief of Staff at Lakeshore, coordinates cross-functional initiatives and streamlines communication between the executive leadership team and various departments. By facilitating the execution of strategic priorities, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain aligned with the mission of providing top-tier educational resources. Hudson manages complex projects that span the entire company, from product design cycles to retail operations. This role involves synthesizing data from multiple divisions to support informed decision-making at the highest level. Kelly Hudson optimizes internal processes to increase productivity and foster a culture of collaboration. By managing the flow of information and resources, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on high-impact growth opportunities. Hudson drives operational efficiency, ensuring that every department contributes effectively to the company's success in the early childhood and elementary education sectors.

    Steven Rosenberg - Chief Information Officer

    Steven Rosenberg, the Chief Information Officer at Lakeshore, architects the digital infrastructure and technology systems that support the company's retail and educational operations. Overseeing cybersecurity, data analytics, and e-commerce platforms, the Chief Information Officer ensures that technology enhances the customer experience for educators and parents nationwide. Rosenberg drives digital transformation by implementing scalable solutions that streamline inventory management and online sales. This role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate data-driven insights into product development and marketing strategies. Steven Rosenberg manages the technical teams responsible for maintaining robust systems that handle high-volume retail traffic. By prioritizing innovation in digital tools, the Chief Information Officer supports the company's ability to deliver educational materials efficiently. Rosenberg ensures that the technological foundation remains secure and adaptable to the changing demands of the modern educational landscape.

    Kelli Miller - Chief People Officer

    Kelli Miller, the Chief People Officer at Lakeshore, directs human capital strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational development. By fostering a culture centered on the company's mission to support early childhood education, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with corporate values. Miller oversees professional development programs and performance management systems that empower employees to excel in their roles. This leadership position involves designing initiatives that attract and retain top talent across the company's national operations. Kelli Miller collaborates with other executives to build a diverse and inclusive environment that drives innovation in product design and customer service. By optimizing organizational structure and employee engagement, the Chief People Officer supports the company's growth and operational success. Miller ensures that the human resources function remains a strategic partner in achieving the long-term objectives of the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lakeshore Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lakeshore?
    Lakeshore is led by Joshua Kaplan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dan Klink (Chief Financial Officer) and Gary Whitley (President).
    Who is part of Lakeshore’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lakeshore includes leaders such as Joshua Kaplan (Chief Executive Officer), Dan Klink (Chief Financial Officer), Gary Whitley (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lakeshore have?
    Lakeshore has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lakeshore’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lakeshore includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, Educational Division.