Los Angeles Unified School District Executive and Leadership Team

Saman Bravo-Karimi, the Chief Financial Officer at Los Angeles Unified School District, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire organization. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the core educational objectives of the district. Saman Bravo-Karimi manages complex revenue streams and expenditure reports, providing transparency to stakeholders across the California region. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of economic trends to maintain the long-term solvency of the district. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk while maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on student programs. Bravo-Karimi works closely with the Board to present accurate financial forecasts that guide policy decisions. Through meticulous oversight of capital projects and operational budgets, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain high-quality learning environments for all students within the district's jurisdiction.

Charity Castro, the Deputy President, Policy & Advocacy, Office of Lausd Board Kelly Gonez at Los Angeles Unified School District, leads the development of policy frameworks that drive educational reform. By advocating for resources and legislative support, the Deputy President, Policy & Advocacy, Office of Lausd Board Kelly Gonez ensures that the district's priorities are represented at the state and local levels. Charity Castro manages research projects that inform board decisions on curriculum and student support services. This leadership role involves building coalitions with community organizations to advance the district's mission. Castro coordinates with other board staff to ensure that policy initiatives are implemented effectively across the region. By analyzing the impact of current policies, the Deputy President, Policy & Advocacy, Office of Lausd Board Kelly Gonez identifies opportunities for improvement. Through strategic advocacy and policy development, Castro supports the district's commitment to providing equitable and high-quality education for all students.

Brian Heckmann, the President at Los Angeles Unified School District, provides executive leadership and sets the strategic vision for the entire district. By presiding over board meetings and guiding policy development, the President ensures that the district remains focused on its core mission of student success. Brian Heckmann oversees the governance of the district, working to maintain accountability and transparency in all operations. This leadership role involves representing the district in public forums and engaging with community stakeholders to build support for educational initiatives. Heckmann collaborates with the superintendent and other senior leaders to align resources with the district's long-term goals. By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, the President drives improvements in academic performance across the region. Through strategic oversight and decisive leadership, Heckmann ensures that the district continues to provide a high-quality education to every student, preparing the next generation for future success.

Sharon Delugach, the Chief of Staff at Los Angeles Unified School District, coordinates executive communications and strategic planning to ensure organizational alignment. By managing the flow of information to the leadership team, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes across the district. Sharon Delugach oversees high-priority projects that impact the daily operations of schools throughout the Los Angeles area. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between administrative policy and classroom implementation, ensuring that district goals remain clear and actionable. Delugach maintains strong relationships with internal and external partners to advance the district's mission of providing equitable education. By organizing executive agendas and tracking progress on key initiatives, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on critical challenges. Through proactive problem-solving and administrative oversight, Delugach supports the overall stability and growth of the district, ensuring that all departments work in harmony to serve the student population.

Patrice McKenzie, the Chief of Staff, Office of Honorary Sherlett Hendy Newbill at Los Angeles Unified School District, manages the strategic operations and legislative priorities for the office. By facilitating communication between the office and district stakeholders, the Chief of Staff, Office of Honorary Sherlett Hendy Newbill ensures that policy initiatives align with the needs of the local community. Patrice McKenzie oversees the daily administrative functions, allowing the office to focus on advocacy and educational reform. This leadership role involves analyzing community feedback to inform policy decisions that impact students across the region. McKenzie coordinates with other district leaders to promote equity and access in public education. By managing complex schedules and high-stakes projects, the Chief of Staff, Office of Honorary Sherlett Hendy Newbill drives the office's agenda forward. Through careful attention to detail and strategic planning, McKenzie supports the district's commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment for all students.

Danielle Tenner, the Chief of Staff, Board District 4 at Los Angeles Unified School District, directs the administrative and strategic functions for the board member representing District 4. By managing constituent relations and policy research, the Chief of Staff, Board District 4 ensures that the specific needs of the local community are addressed within the broader district framework. Danielle Tenner oversees the development of initiatives that promote student achievement and school safety. This leadership role involves collaborating with district staff to implement policies that improve educational outcomes. Tenner maintains a focus on transparency and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of parents and educators are heard. By coordinating board meetings and legislative efforts, the Chief of Staff, Board District 4 facilitates the effective governance of the district. Through strategic planning and proactive communication, Tenner supports the district's mission to provide high-quality education to every student in the region.

Frank Serrato, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Los Angeles Unified School District, manages talent acquisition and workforce development for the district's massive employee base. By focusing on recruitment strategies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that schools are staffed with qualified educators and support personnel. Frank Serrato oversees labor relations and contract negotiations, maintaining a productive environment for all staff members. This leadership role involves designing professional development programs that enhance the skills of the workforce. Serrato works to align human capital strategies with the district's goal of improving student performance. By implementing efficient hiring processes and retention initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer addresses the staffing needs of schools across the Los Angeles area. Through the management of benefits and employee wellness programs, Serrato supports the well-being of the entire district staff, which directly impacts the quality of instruction provided to students in every classroom.

Ileana Davalos, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Los Angeles Unified School District, directs organizational culture and performance management systems to optimize staff effectiveness. By focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce reflects the diverse student population served by the district. Ileana Davalos oversees compliance with labor laws and district policies, fostering a fair and supportive workplace. This leadership role involves analyzing workforce data to identify trends and improve employee engagement. Davalos collaborates with school leaders to address staffing challenges and promote professional growth. By streamlining performance evaluation processes, the Chief Human Resources Officer helps maintain high standards of instruction throughout the district. Through strategic planning and effective communication, Davalos supports the district's mission to attract and retain top-tier talent, ensuring that every school has the human resources necessary to provide an exceptional educational experience for all students.

Vince Jarecki, the Deputy Director at Los Angeles Unified School District, manages critical operational workflows that support the district's expansive educational mission. By coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, Jarecki ensures that resources reach classrooms efficiently across the diverse Los Angeles County region. This leadership role involves analyzing performance metrics to optimize service delivery for pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Vince Jarecki maintains rigorous standards for administrative oversight, facilitating seamless communication between central offices and local school sites. Through the implementation of data-driven strategies, the Deputy Director strengthens the infrastructure necessary for academic success. Jarecki also collaborates with other senior leaders to align daily operations with long-term district goals. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Director minimizes bureaucratic friction, allowing educators to focus entirely on student outcomes. This commitment to operational excellence remains central to the district's ability to serve such a large and varied student population effectively.