Nassau Boces Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nassau BOCES has 4 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, and governance.

Dedicated to fostering equity and inclusivity, Nassau Boces enhances public education and student opportunities across Nassau County, providing innovative and cost-effective services to 56 school districts.

Leadership Roles at Nassau Boces

  • Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer - James Widmer
  • President - Deborah Coates
  • President of the Board of Trustees - Eric Schultz
  • Chief Information Officer - Clifford Steinberg
  • James Widmer - Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer

    James Widmer, the Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer at Nassau Boces, executes the strategic operational plans that support the organization's mission. Overseeing the day-to-day functions across Nassau County, Widmer ensures the efficient delivery of cost-effective educational and support services to 56 school districts. This critical role involves managing resources, optimizing workflows, and driving operational excellence in areas such as special education and career and technical education. By aligning operational strategies with educational goals, James Widmer directly contributes to fostering a culture of equity, inclusivity, and belonging. The Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures that Nassau BOCES effectively serves students of all ages and abilities, providing them with enhanced opportunities. Widmer's operational oversight is fundamental to the organization's commitment to the educational community.
    James Widmer

    Deborah Coates - President

    Deborah Coates, the President at Nassau Boces, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization's comprehensive educational services. Guiding the mission to enhance public education across Nassau County, Coates champions innovative and cost-effective solutions for 56 school districts. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring the equitable delivery of programs, including special education and career and technical education. By championing inclusivity and belonging, Deborah Coates reinforces Nassau BOCES' commitment to supporting students of all ages and abilities. The President's vision drives the organization's impact on the educational community, expanding opportunities and access to vital resources. Coates's role is central to advancing the educational landscape for students throughout the region.

    Eric Schultz - President of the Board of Trustees

    Eric Schultz, the President of the Board of Trustees at Nassau Boces, provides governance and strategic oversight for the organization's educational initiatives. Leading the board, Schultz ensures Nassau BOCES effectively serves its mission of enhancing public education and opportunities for students across Nassau County. This role involves guiding policy development and fiscal responsibility to support the delivery of innovative and cost-effective services to 56 school districts. By championing equity, inclusivity, and belonging, Eric Schultz reinforces the board's commitment to students of all ages and abilities. The President of the Board of Trustees's leadership ensures that Nassau BOCES remains a vital resource for the educational community. Schultz's oversight is critical to maintaining the organization's high standards and strategic direction.

    Clifford Steinberg - Chief Information Officer

    Clifford Steinberg, the Chief Information Officer at Nassau Boces, directs the organization's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Steinberg ensures the seamless delivery of digital services essential for enhancing public education and supporting the diverse needs of 56 school districts. This leadership role involves architecting scalable technology solutions that facilitate access to innovative educational resources and professional development programs. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Clifford Steinberg supports Nassau BOCES' mission of equity and inclusivity. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities extend to safeguarding data integrity and optimizing system performance to empower students and educators. Steinberg's focus remains on leveraging technology to expand opportunities for students of all ages and abilities across Nassau County.
    Clifford Steinberg

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nassau Boces Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nassau Boces?
    Nassau Boces is led by James Widmer (Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Deborah Coates (President) and Eric Schultz (President of the Board of Trustees).
    Who is part of Nassau Boces’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nassau Boces includes leaders such as James Widmer (Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer), Deborah Coates (President), Eric Schultz (President of the Board of Trustees) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nassau Boces have?
    Nassau Boces has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nassau Boces’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nassau Boces includes roles such as Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer, President, President of the Board of Trustees, Chief Information Officer.