M-DCPS Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

M-DCPS has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, district operations, administrative coordination, financial management, board relations, regional oversight, and communications.

Committed to academic excellence, M-DCPS fosters student success through comprehensive educational programs across the southern Florida peninsula. This district prioritizes equitable learning environments and innovative curriculum development to prepare students for future global challenges.

Leadership Roles at M-DCPS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Debbie Smith
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Isel Rodriguez
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ron Steiger
  • Chief of Staff - Vanessa Byers
  • Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb - Rogelio Miret
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent - Brenda Swain
  • Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb - Tessy Villarreal
  • Chief of Staff - District 9 - Johanna Ralsten-Cox
  • Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb - Aida Marrero
  • Chief Communications Officer - Jaquelyn Diaz
  • Debbie Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    Debbie Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at M-DCPS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire school district. Smith manages the implementation of academic policies that impact preschool through 12th-grade students across the southern Florida peninsula. By aligning district resources with long-term educational goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all schools maintain high standards of instructional quality. Smith collaborates with the Board to refine district-wide initiatives, focusing on student achievement and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of pedagogical outcomes to drive continuous improvement. Through rigorous oversight of district programs, Debbie Smith guarantees that educational services meet the diverse needs of the student population. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the district remains a leader in public education while navigating complex regulatory environments and community expectations.

    Isel Rodriguez - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Isel Rodriguez, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at M-DCPS, executes high-level operational strategies to support the district's mission. Rodriguez oversees the daily administration of school facilities, ensuring that infrastructure supports modern learning requirements. The Principal Chief Executive Officer coordinates with various departments to streamline internal processes and enhance service delivery for students and faculty. Isel Rodriguez drives initiatives that optimize resource allocation, allowing schools to focus on core academic objectives. By managing complex logistical challenges, the Principal Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the district's operational framework. Rodriguez fosters collaboration between administrative teams to ensure that district policies translate into effective classroom practices. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of performance metrics to identify areas for operational refinement. Through strategic planning and execution, the Principal Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary support systems to sustain the district's commitment to educational excellence.

    Ron Steiger - Chief Financial Officer

    Ron Steiger, the Chief Financial Officer at M-DCPS, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire school district. Steiger oversees the allocation of funds to support instructional programs, facility maintenance, and administrative operations. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with state and federal financial regulations while maximizing the impact of available resources. Ron Steiger directs the development of long-term financial strategies that support the district's commitment to student success. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data for informed decision-making by the Board. Steiger coordinates with other executive leaders to align financial resources with strategic educational priorities. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the economic stability required to sustain high-quality educational services across the southern Florida peninsula.
    Ron Steiger

    Vanessa Byers - Chief of Staff

    Vanessa Byers, the Chief of Staff at M-DCPS, manages the administrative workflow and strategic priorities for the district leadership team. Byers coordinates communication between the executive office and various departments to ensure alignment with district goals. The Chief of Staff facilitates decision-making processes by providing critical data and analysis to senior leadership. Vanessa Byers oversees the execution of special projects that address emerging educational needs across the southern Florida peninsula. By streamlining internal operations, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the executive office. Byers maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders to support the district's mission of providing quality education. This leadership role involves managing complex schedules and priorities to ensure that the district's strategic objectives receive appropriate attention. Through proactive management and clear communication, the Chief of Staff supports the overall effectiveness of the district's administrative functions and long-term planning efforts.

    Rogelio Miret - Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb

    Rogelio Miret, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb at M-DCPS, facilitates communication and policy coordination between the Board and district administration. Miret manages the flow of information to ensure that Board members possess the necessary data to make informed decisions regarding district policy. The Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb oversees the preparation of board meetings and the execution of directives issued by the Board. Rogelio Miret coordinates with various departments to ensure that administrative actions align with the strategic vision established by the Board. By fostering clear communication channels, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb enhances the effectiveness of the governance process. Miret addresses inquiries and concerns from stakeholders to maintain transparency and trust. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative tasks to support the Board's oversight responsibilities. Through dedicated service, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb ensures that the district's governance structure functions efficiently to support student achievement.

    Brenda Swain - Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent

    Brenda Swain, the Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent at M-DCPS, drives revenue-generating initiatives while overseeing educational operations within a specific region. Swain manages the implementation of regional academic programs to ensure consistent performance across schools. The Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent identifies opportunities to secure additional funding through grants and partnerships. Brenda Swain coordinates with school principals to improve instructional outcomes and operational efficiency. By balancing financial growth with educational quality, the Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent ensures that regional schools meet district standards. Swain monitors regional performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and resource allocation. This leadership role involves managing regional staff and resources to support the district's mission. Through strategic oversight, the Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent guarantees that regional operations contribute positively to the overall success of the district and its students.

    Tessy Villarreal - Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb

    Tessy Villarreal, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb at M-DCPS, manages the administrative support and policy research for Board members. Villarreal coordinates the development of board agendas and ensures that all legislative requirements are met. The Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb facilitates communication between the Board and the executive leadership team to ensure alignment on district priorities. Tessy Villarreal oversees the tracking of policy implementation to ensure that Board directives are executed effectively. By providing analytical support, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb assists the Board in evaluating the impact of district programs. Villarreal manages stakeholder engagement to ensure that community feedback informs the governance process. This leadership role involves handling sensitive administrative matters with discretion and precision. Through proactive coordination, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb supports the Board's ability to provide effective oversight and strategic direction for the entire school district.

    Johanna Ralsten-Cox - Chief of Staff - District 9

    Johanna Ralsten-Cox, the Chief of Staff - District 9 at M-DCPS, manages the administrative operations and strategic initiatives for the ninth district. Ralsten-Cox coordinates with school leaders to ensure that district policies are implemented effectively at the local level. The Chief of Staff - District 9 oversees the allocation of resources to support specific regional needs and student populations. Johanna Ralsten-Cox facilitates communication between the district office and local stakeholders to address community concerns. By monitoring performance data, the Chief of Staff - District 9 identifies opportunities to enhance instructional quality and operational efficiency. Ralsten-Cox manages the execution of district-wide programs within the region to ensure consistency and excellence. This leadership role involves balancing local needs with the broader strategic goals of the district. Through dedicated management, the Chief of Staff - District 9 ensures that schools within the region receive the support necessary to foster student success.

    Aida Marrero - Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb

    Aida Marrero, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb at M-DCPS, coordinates the administrative functions and policy development for Board members. Marrero manages the flow of information between the Board and district departments to ensure transparency and alignment. The Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb oversees the preparation of reports and presentations for board meetings. Aida Marrero facilitates communication with community members to ensure that the Board remains informed about local educational needs. By managing the administrative workflow, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb allows Board members to focus on strategic governance and policy oversight. Marrero tracks the progress of district initiatives to ensure that they meet the goals established by the Board. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative tasks to support the governance process. Through efficient coordination, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb ensures that the Board operates effectively to support the district's mission.

    Jaquelyn Diaz - Chief Communications Officer

    Jaquelyn Diaz, the Chief Communications Officer at M-DCPS, directs the internal and external messaging strategies for the school district. Diaz manages public relations, media inquiries, and community outreach to ensure that the district's mission remains clear and accessible. The Chief Communications Officer oversees the development of communication campaigns that highlight student achievements and district initiatives. Jaquelyn Diaz coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that all messaging aligns with the district's strategic goals. By utilizing various media platforms, the Chief Communications Officer enhances the district's reputation and fosters community engagement. Diaz monitors public sentiment to identify opportunities for proactive communication and crisis management. This leadership role involves managing the district's brand identity and ensuring that stakeholders receive timely and accurate information. Through strategic communication, the Chief Communications Officer supports the district's efforts to maintain public trust and promote educational excellence across the southern Florida peninsula.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding M-DCPS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads M-DCPS?
    M-DCPS is led by Debbie Smith (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Isel Rodriguez (Principal Chief Executive Officer) and Ron Steiger (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of M-DCPS’s executive team?
    The executive team of M-DCPS includes leaders such as Debbie Smith (Chief Executive Officer), Isel Rodriguez (Principal Chief Executive Officer), Ron Steiger (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does M-DCPS have?
    M-DCPS has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in M-DCPS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of M-DCPS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Principal Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb.