Las Cruces Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Las Cruces Public Schools has 6 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, financial oversight, human resources, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence, Las Cruces Public Schools fosters a supportive learning environment across elementary, middle, and high schools to ensure student success throughout the New Mexico region.

Leadership Roles at Las Cruces Public Schools

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer - Chenyu Liu
  • President - Carol Cooper
  • Board President - Terrie Dallman
  • President - Vince Rivera
  • President - Cindy Baker
  • Chief of Staff - Joshua Silver
  • Chenyu Liu - Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer

    Chenyu Liu, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer at Las Cruces Public Schools, manages fiscal planning and human capital development. Overseeing budget allocations and personnel recruitment, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer ensures the district maintains financial health while attracting top-tier educators. This multifaceted role involves balancing complex financial requirements with the strategic needs of the workforce. By optimizing payroll systems and benefit structures, Chenyu Liu supports the professional growth of staff members across all school levels. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer collaborates with the board to align expenditures with educational priorities. Through careful analysis of economic trends, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer mitigates financial risks. This leadership position drives initiatives that enhance employee retention and operational transparency. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer secures the resources needed for classroom excellence.
    Chenyu Liu

    Carol Cooper - President

    Carol Cooper, the President at Las Cruces Public Schools, directs strategic governance and policy development for the district. Leading board discussions and community engagement efforts, the President ensures that educational policies reflect the needs of students and families. This role involves setting the vision for academic programs and evaluating district performance metrics. By facilitating consensus among board members, Carol Cooper guides the long-term direction of the school system. The President monitors the implementation of state-mandated curriculum standards to ensure compliance and quality. Through active participation in regional educational forums, the President advocates for increased funding and resources. This leadership position requires balancing diverse community interests with the core mission of providing equitable education. By maintaining rigorous oversight of district policies, the President fosters an environment conducive to learning. Ultimately, the President drives the strategic initiatives that define the educational impact of the district.

    Terrie Dallman - Board President

    Terrie Dallman, the Board President at Las Cruces Public Schools, oversees the legislative functions and governance framework of the district. Managing board meetings and public hearings, the Board President ensures that all policy decisions align with legal requirements and community expectations. This role involves evaluating the effectiveness of district leadership and holding the administration accountable for academic outcomes. By fostering transparent communication between the board and the public, Terrie Dallman builds trust within the school community. The Board President reviews financial audits and capital improvement plans to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds. Through strategic planning sessions, the Board President defines the priorities for future school development. This leadership position requires deep knowledge of educational law and policy. By championing initiatives that promote student achievement, the Board President shapes the future of the district. Ultimately, the Board President secures the integrity of the governance process.

    Vince Rivera - President

    Vince Rivera, the President at Las Cruces Public Schools, focuses on infrastructure development and facility management across the district. Overseeing capital projects and maintenance schedules, the President ensures that school environments remain safe and conducive to modern learning. This role involves coordinating with architects and contractors to execute building upgrades that support technological integration. By prioritizing facility safety and accessibility, Vince Rivera enhances the overall student experience. The President evaluates long-term facility needs to ensure the district remains prepared for enrollment growth. Through careful management of construction budgets, the President maximizes the impact of capital investments. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of physical assets and safety protocols. By aligning facility improvements with educational goals, the President supports the academic mission of the district. Ultimately, the President secures the physical foundation necessary for high-quality instruction and student engagement throughout the entire school system.

    Cindy Baker - President

    Cindy Baker, the President at Las Cruces Public Schools, leads curriculum innovation and instructional quality initiatives. Overseeing the development of academic programs and teacher training, the President ensures that classroom instruction meets rigorous state standards. This role involves analyzing student assessment data to identify areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions. By fostering partnerships with local universities and educational organizations, Cindy Baker expands learning opportunities for students. The President monitors the effectiveness of new teaching methodologies and digital tools. Through collaborative efforts with school principals, the President drives professional development programs that enhance educator performance. This leadership position requires a focus on closing achievement gaps and promoting inclusive learning environments. By championing evidence-based practices, the President elevates the standard of education across the district. Ultimately, the President secures the academic success of students by prioritizing excellence in every classroom and school facility.

    Joshua Silver - Chief of Staff

    Joshua Silver, the Chief of Staff at Las Cruces Public Schools, coordinates daily administrative operations across the district. Managing internal communications and executive workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between district leadership and school-level initiatives. This role involves streamlining decision-making processes to support the educational mission of Las Cruces Public Schools. By facilitating collaboration among department heads, Joshua Silver optimizes resource allocation and operational efficiency. The Chief of Staff monitors project timelines and policy implementation to maintain high standards of institutional performance. Through rigorous oversight of district-wide programs, the Chief of Staff drives progress toward long-term strategic goals. This position requires constant engagement with stakeholders to address operational challenges effectively. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Chief of Staff strengthens the organizational framework necessary for academic growth. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability required for student success.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Las Cruces Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Las Cruces Public Schools?
    Las Cruces Public Schools is led by Chenyu Liu (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer), along with executives such as Carol Cooper (President) and Terrie Dallman (Board President).
    Who is part of Las Cruces Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Las Cruces Public Schools includes leaders such as Chenyu Liu (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer), Carol Cooper (President), Terrie Dallman (Board President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Las Cruces Public Schools have?
    Las Cruces Public Schools has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Las Cruces Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Las Cruces Public Schools includes roles such as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent & Chief People Officer, President, Board President, President, President.