M-DCPS Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

M-DCPS has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, and communications.

Driven by a commitment to educational excellence, M-DCPS is dedicated to fostering student success and community engagement across southern Florida.

Leadership Roles at M-DCPS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Phyllis Wallace
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Isel Rodriguez
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ron Steiger
  • Chief of Staff - Nunez George
  • Chief Technology Officer - Paul Smith
  • Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb - Aida Marrero
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent - Brenda Swain
  • Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb - Tessy Villarreal
  • Chief of Staff - District 9 - Johanna Ralsten-Cox
  • Chief Communications Officer - Vivian Santiesteban-Pardo
  • Phyllis Wallace - Chief Executive Officer

    Phyllis Wallace, the Chief Executive Officer at M-DCPS, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the district. Wallace's leadership ensures alignment with educational mandates and community needs across southern Florida. This executive function involves driving innovation in curriculum development and resource allocation to enhance student learning outcomes. Wallace oversees the integration of educational technologies and pedagogical advancements to maintain a competitive edge in the K-12 sector. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including parents, educators, and governmental bodies, to champion the district's mission. By focusing on equitable access to quality education, Phyllis Wallace guides M-DCPS toward achieving its long-term developmental goals and reinforcing its position as a leading educational institution.

    Isel Rodriguez - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Isel Rodriguez, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at M-DCPS, executes the core strategic directives and operational management of the entire school district. Rodriguez's role is central to ensuring the effective delivery of educational services throughout the southern Florida peninsula. This executive position involves overseeing all departmental functions, from academic programming to administrative support, to meet the diverse needs of preschool through 12th-grade students. The Principal Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives focused on student achievement, teacher development, and school safety. Isel Rodriguez is accountable for the district's financial health and resource optimization, ensuring efficient allocation of funds to support educational priorities. By championing a culture of continuous improvement, Rodriguez leads M-DCPS in its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering student success.

    Ron Steiger - Chief Financial Officer

    Ron Steiger, the Chief Financial Officer at M-DCPS, directs the comprehensive financial operations and fiscal strategy for the district. Steiger's oversight ensures the prudent management of financial resources to support educational programs and administrative functions across southern Florida. This executive role involves developing and executing the annual budget, managing investments, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer analyzes financial performance, identifies cost-saving opportunities, and provides strategic financial guidance to executive leadership. Ron Steiger is responsible for financial planning, reporting, and the overall fiscal health of M-DCPS, safeguarding assets and optimizing resource allocation. By maintaining financial integrity and transparency, Steiger supports the district's mission to provide quality education effectively and sustainably.
    Ron Steiger

    Nunez George - Chief of Staff

    Nunez George, the Chief of Staff at M-DCPS, provides direct strategic support and operational coordination for executive leadership. George's function involves streamlining communication and ensuring efficient execution of district-wide initiatives across southern Florida. This role requires managing key projects, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, and advising on critical policy matters. The Chief of Staff oversees the implementation of strategic plans, ensuring that departmental efforts align with the district's overarching mission. Nunez George is instrumental in preparing executive briefings, analyzing performance metrics, and driving operational efficiencies. By acting as a central point of contact for high-level decision-making, George supports the seamless functioning of M-DCPS and enhances its capacity to serve its student population effectively.

    Paul Smith - Chief Technology Officer

    Paul Smith, the Chief Technology Officer at M-DCPS, architects and directs the district's technology infrastructure and digital learning strategies. Smith's leadership ensures that M-DCPS leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance educational delivery and operational efficiency throughout southern Florida. This executive function involves overseeing the development and implementation of robust IT systems, cybersecurity measures, and digital learning platforms. The Chief Technology Officer drives initiatives to equip students and educators with the necessary digital tools and skills for academic success in the 21st century. Paul Smith is responsible for managing the technology budget, evaluating new technological advancements, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of all IT services. By championing technological innovation, Smith supports M-DCPS's commitment to providing a modern and effective learning environment.
    Paul Smith

    Aida Marrero - Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb

    Aida Marrero, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb at M-DCPS, provides critical support and strategic coordination for board member initiatives. Marrero's function involves facilitating communication between the board and district administration, ensuring alignment on key governance matters across southern Florida. This executive role requires managing board agendas, preparing essential documentation, and overseeing the implementation of board directives. The Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb plays a vital part in enhancing board effectiveness and ensuring efficient decision-making processes. Aida Marrero supports the board's oversight responsibilities by analyzing data, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and driving strategic projects that align with the district's educational mission. By ensuring seamless operations, Marrero contributes to the effective governance of M-DCPS.

    Brenda Swain - Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent

    Brenda Swain, the Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent at M-DCPS, drives strategic revenue generation and oversees regional educational operations. Swain's leadership focuses on maximizing financial resources and ensuring academic excellence across designated regions within southern Florida. This dual executive function involves developing innovative funding strategies and managing the educational outcomes of specific geographic areas. The Chief Revenue Officer, Region Superintendent directs efforts to secure grants, partnerships, and other revenue streams to support district initiatives. Brenda Swain is also responsible for implementing educational policies, supporting school leadership, and ensuring high standards of student achievement within assigned regions. By integrating financial acumen with educational leadership, Swain enhances M-DCPS's capacity to serve its diverse student population effectively.

    Tessy Villarreal - Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb

    Tessy Villarreal, the Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb at M-DCPS, offers dedicated strategic and operational support to board members. Villarreal's responsibilities include enhancing board effectiveness through meticulous planning and coordination of governance activities across southern Florida. This executive position involves managing board communications, preparing critical reports, and ensuring that board directives are efficiently translated into actionable district plans. The Chief Of Staff - Brd Memb facilitates seamless collaboration between board members and district leadership, fostering informed decision-making. Tessy Villarreal supports the board's strategic oversight by analyzing performance data, coordinating stakeholder feedback, and driving initiatives that align with M-DCPS's core educational mission. Villarreal's efforts ensure the board's continued impact on district success.

    Johanna Ralsten-Cox - Chief of Staff - District 9

    Johanna Ralsten-Cox, the Chief of Staff - District 9 at M-DCPS, provides focused strategic and operational leadership for District 9. Ralsten-Cox's role ensures the effective implementation of district policies and educational programs within this specific region of southern Florida. This executive function involves coordinating departmental efforts, managing key projects, and advising district leadership on matters pertinent to District 9. The Chief of Staff - District 9 drives initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and supporting school-level operations. Johanna Ralsten-Cox is responsible for fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders, educators, and parents within District 9 to advance the district's educational mission. By ensuring efficient operations and strategic alignment, Ralsten-Cox contributes significantly to the success of students and schools in District 9.

    Vivian Santiesteban-Pardo - Chief Communications Officer

    Vivian Santiesteban-Pardo, the Chief Communications Officer at M-DCPS, directs the district's comprehensive communication strategies and public relations efforts. Santiesteban-Pardo's leadership ensures clear, consistent, and effective messaging to all stakeholders across southern Florida. This executive role involves managing media relations, developing internal and external communication plans, and overseeing the district's brand reputation. The Chief Communications Officer drives initiatives to enhance community engagement and transparency, fostering strong relationships with parents, the public, and educational partners. Vivian Santiesteban-Pardo is responsible for crisis communications, digital content strategy, and ensuring that all communications align with M-DCPS's mission and values. By championing open dialogue, Santiesteban-Pardo strengthens the district's connection with the communities it serves.

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

    Who leads M-DCPS?
    M-DCPS is led by Phyllis Wallace (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 Phyllis Wallace (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 Technology Officer.