Lakeshore Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lakeshore has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, human resources, and product development.

Driven by a commitment to educational excellence, Lakeshore is dedicated to developing and retailing top-quality educational materials that foster early childhood development and elementary learning, impacting classrooms and homes nationwide.

Leadership Roles at Lakeshore

  • Chief Executive Officer - Joshua Kaplan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Daniel Klink
  • President, Educational Division - Kevin Carnes
  • President - Gary Whitley
  • President - Michelle Lucey
  • Chief of Staff - Kelly Hudson
  • Chief Information Officer - Steven Rosenberg
  • Chief People Officer - Jacquelyn Trask
  • Joshua Kaplan - Chief Executive Officer

    Joshua Kaplan, the Chief Executive Officer at Lakeshore, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Kaplan guides the company's expansion and market positioning, ensuring alignment with its mission to provide high-quality educational materials. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across product development and retail operations, critical for maintaining Lakeshore's standing as a leading developer and retailer. Kaplan's strategic vision shapes the company's response to evolving educational needs and market dynamics nationwide. Overseeing all executive functions, Joshua Kaplan ensures the cohesive advancement of the business, driving growth and reinforcing the brand's commitment to early childhood and elementary education.
    Daniel Klink, the Chief Financial Officer at Lakeshore, manages all financial planning, reporting, and fiscal strategy. Klink oversees budgeting, investment, and capital allocation to support the company's growth and operational efficiency. This role is crucial for maintaining the financial health of Lakeshore's extensive retail and development operations across the United States. Daniel Klink ensures robust financial controls and compliance, safeguarding the company's assets and optimizing profitability. By analyzing market trends and financial performance, Klink provides critical insights that inform executive decisions, driving sustainable revenue growth and supporting the development of top-quality educational materials for early childhood programs and elementary schools.
    Daniel Klink

    Kevin Carnes - President, Educational Division

    Kevin Carnes, the President, Educational Division at Lakeshore, spearheads the development and strategic direction of educational products. Carnes focuses on creating innovative, high-quality materials tailored for early childhood programs and elementary schools nationwide. This leadership role involves deep engagement with educational trends and curriculum needs to ensure product relevance and impact. Kevin Carnes drives the division's growth by fostering strong relationships with educators and institutions, translating their feedback into superior product offerings. Carnes's oversight ensures that Lakeshore remains at the forefront of educational resource development, supporting learning environments across the country.
    Kevin Carnes

    Gary Whitley - President

    Gary Whitley, the President at Lakeshore, oversees critical operational aspects of the company's extensive retail and distribution network. Whitley focuses on optimizing supply chain logistics and ensuring efficient delivery of Lakeshore's top-quality educational materials to customers nationwide. This leadership role is vital for maintaining product availability and enhancing the customer experience across all touchpoints. Gary Whitley drives operational excellence by implementing best practices in inventory management and fulfillment. By ensuring seamless operations, Whitley supports the company's commitment to serving early childhood programs, elementary schools, and homes effectively, reinforcing Lakeshore's position as a leading developer and retailer.

    Michelle Lucey - President

    Michelle Lucey, the President at Lakeshore, directs strategic initiatives focused on market expansion and customer engagement for the company's retail presence. Lucey oversees the enhancement of the customer journey, both in-store and online, ensuring accessibility to Lakeshore's high-quality educational materials nationwide. This leadership role is pivotal in driving sales growth and strengthening brand loyalty among educators, parents, and institutions. Michelle Lucey champions initiatives that align with the company's mission, fostering environments where learning thrives. By focusing on market dynamics and consumer needs, Lucey ensures Lakeshore continues to be a premier resource for early childhood and elementary education.

    Kelly Hudson - Chief of Staff

    Kelly Hudson, the Chief of Staff at Lakeshore, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational alignment across departments. Hudson supports the executive team by managing key projects, driving cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring efficient execution of corporate objectives. This position is vital for translating high-level strategy into actionable plans for Lakeshore's nationwide operations. Kelly Hudson enhances organizational effectiveness by streamlining communication and optimizing resource allocation. By coordinating efforts between leadership and various teams, Hudson ensures that the company's mission of providing top-quality educational materials to early childhood programs, elementary schools, and homes is consistently advanced.

    Steven Rosenberg - Chief Information Officer

    Steven Rosenberg, the Chief Information Officer at Lakeshore, directs the company's technology strategy and infrastructure. Rosenberg oversees the development and implementation of IT systems that support Lakeshore's retail, e-commerce, and product development functions nationwide. This leadership ensures the technological backbone can scale with business growth and enhance operational efficiency. Steven Rosenberg manages data security, system reliability, and digital innovation, crucial for a company that has grown from a single store to a leading developer and retailer. By leveraging technology, Rosenberg supports the delivery of high-quality educational materials and optimizes the customer experience across all channels.

    Jacquelyn Trask - Chief People Officer

    Jacquelyn Trask, the Chief People Officer at Lakeshore, leads all human resources functions, talent management, and organizational development. Trask shapes the company culture and ensures a skilled, engaged workforce to support Lakeshore's mission of providing top-quality educational materials. This role is essential for attracting, retaining, and developing talent across the organization's nationwide operations, from product development to retail. Jacquelyn Trask oversees employee relations, compensation, benefits, and learning initiatives, fostering an environment that drives innovation and customer satisfaction. By prioritizing people, Trask ensures Lakeshore's continued success in serving early childhood programs, elementary schools, and homes.
    Jacquelyn Trask

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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 Daniel Klink (Chief Financial Officer) and Kevin Carnes (President, Educational Division).
    Who is part of Lakeshore’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lakeshore includes leaders such as Joshua Kaplan (Chief Executive Officer), Daniel Klink (Chief Financial Officer), Kevin Carnes (President, Educational Division) 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, Educational Division, President, President.