National Heritage Academies Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Heritage Academies has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, academic operations, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence, National Heritage Academies empowers students through high-quality K-12 education management. This organization fosters rigorous learning environments while maintaining a strong focus on moral character development and community engagement across diverse regional school networks.

Leadership Roles at National Heritage Academies

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jason Pater
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bob Owen
  • President - Tom Zorn
  • President & Chief Learning Officer - Nicholas Sheltrown
  • Board President - Renee Shepherd
  • Board President - Richard Gordon
  • President of the Board of Directors - Jason Holder
  • President - Peter Stickney
  • President - Deborah Howell
  • President - Rylan Norris
  • Jason Pater - Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Pater, the Chief Executive Officer at National Heritage Academies, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire education management organization. Pater architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring alignment between school performance and corporate objectives. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational consistency across all managed K-12 institutions. This role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine educational delivery models and expand market reach within the United States. Jason Pater drives the implementation of scalable systems that support student achievement and operational efficiency. Through rigorous analysis of educational outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to maximize impact. Pater secures the future of the organization by fostering partnerships that enhance the quality of instruction. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every school remains dedicated to the core mission of providing exceptional learning opportunities for students.

    Bob Owen - Chief Financial Officer

    Bob Owen, the Chief Financial Officer at National Heritage Academies, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Owen oversees complex budgeting processes that support the operational needs of numerous K-12 schools. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer ensures financial sustainability across all regional operations. This leadership role involves providing critical data to the executive team to inform expansion decisions and infrastructure investments. Bob Owen directs the financial planning and analysis department to maintain strict compliance with educational funding regulations. Through meticulous oversight of assets, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk while identifying opportunities for reinvestment in classroom technology and teacher development. Owen maintains transparency in all fiscal reporting to stakeholders. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation necessary for the organization to deliver high-quality educational services to students nationwide.

    Tom Zorn - President

    Tom Zorn, the President at National Heritage Academies, executes operational strategies that drive school-level performance and administrative excellence. Zorn oversees the daily management of school networks, ensuring that educational standards remain high across all locations. By coordinating with regional directors, the President maintains consistency in curriculum delivery and student support services. This role involves translating corporate goals into actionable plans for school principals and staff. Tom Zorn directs initiatives focused on improving student retention and academic growth metrics. Through constant evaluation of school operations, the President identifies areas for process improvement and resource optimization. Zorn fosters a culture of accountability that permeates the entire organization. By aligning school-level activities with the broader mission, the President ensures that every campus provides a safe and effective learning environment. Ultimately, Zorn supports the long-term success of the organization through disciplined operational leadership and a focus on student-centered outcomes.

    Nicholas Sheltrown - President & Chief Learning Officer

    Nicholas Sheltrown, the President & Chief Learning Officer at National Heritage Academies, architects the pedagogical frameworks that define the educational experience. Sheltrown oversees curriculum development, teacher training programs, and assessment strategies to ensure academic rigor. By integrating data-driven insights into classroom instruction, the President & Chief Learning Officer drives continuous improvement in student achievement. This role involves collaborating with academic teams to implement innovative teaching methods that meet diverse student needs. Nicholas Sheltrown directs the research and evaluation functions to measure the effectiveness of educational programs. Through the design of professional development initiatives, the President & Chief Learning Officer empowers educators to deliver high-quality instruction. Sheltrown aligns learning objectives with state standards to ensure compliance and competitive performance. By focusing on the intersection of technology and pedagogy, the President & Chief Learning Officer enhances the overall learning environment. Ultimately, Sheltrown secures academic excellence through evidence-based leadership.
    Nicholas Sheltrown

    Renee Shepherd - Board President

    Renee Shepherd, the Board President at National Heritage Academies, governs the strategic direction and policy framework of the organization. Shepherd oversees board meetings and ensures that all governance activities align with the mission of providing quality K-12 education. By facilitating communication between the board and executive leadership, the Board President maintains organizational focus on long-term goals. This role involves reviewing performance metrics and ensuring accountability at the highest level. Renee Shepherd directs the development of policies that guide the ethical and operational conduct of the organization. Through careful oversight of board committees, the Board President addresses critical issues related to school expansion and community impact. Shepherd fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to sound decision-making. By upholding the fiduciary responsibilities of the board, the Board President protects the interests of students and stakeholders. Ultimately, Shepherd ensures that the organization remains true to its foundational values.

    Richard Gordon - Board President

    Richard Gordon, the Board President at National Heritage Academies, leads the oversight of organizational compliance and strategic growth initiatives. Gordon directs the board in evaluating the effectiveness of educational management practices across the network. By monitoring the alignment of school operations with the core mission, the Board President ensures that the organization meets its performance targets. This role involves engaging with external partners and stakeholders to advocate for the needs of the school community. Richard Gordon oversees the implementation of governance standards that promote transparency and operational integrity. Through the analysis of organizational health, the Board President identifies strategic priorities for the executive team. Gordon facilitates high-level discussions regarding resource allocation and long-term sustainability. By maintaining a focus on student outcomes, the Board President guides the organization through complex educational landscapes. Ultimately, Gordon secures the stability and future success of the organization through diligent board leadership.

    Jason Holder - President of the Board of Directors

    Jason Holder, the President of the Board of Directors at National Heritage Academies, manages the governance structure and strategic oversight of the entire organization. Holder directs the board in setting policies that support the delivery of high-quality K-12 education. By ensuring that executive actions remain consistent with the mission, the President of the Board of Directors maintains organizational accountability. This role involves leading board deliberations on critical matters such as school network expansion and financial health. Jason Holder oversees the evaluation of executive performance to ensure that leadership goals align with student success. Through the coordination of board activities, the President of the Board of Directors fosters a culture of excellence and integrity. Holder engages with stakeholders to communicate the vision and impact of the organization. By providing steady guidance, the President of the Board of Directors ensures that the organization navigates challenges effectively. Ultimately, Holder secures the long-term viability of the educational mission.
    Jason Holder

    Peter Stickney - President

    Peter Stickney, the President at National Heritage Academies, manages the operational execution of regional school initiatives. Stickney oversees the implementation of standardized processes that ensure consistency in school management and student support. By coordinating with regional leadership teams, the President drives the adoption of best practices across the network. This role involves monitoring school-level performance data to identify opportunities for operational enhancement. Peter Stickney directs the allocation of resources to support the specific needs of diverse school communities. Through the oversight of administrative functions, the President ensures that schools operate efficiently and effectively. Stickney collaborates with other executives to align regional activities with the broader corporate strategy. By focusing on the day-to-day requirements of school management, the President supports the overall mission of providing quality education. Ultimately, Stickney ensures that the organization maintains high standards of service delivery across all managed locations through disciplined operational oversight.

    Deborah Howell - President

    Deborah Howell, the President at National Heritage Academies, leads the development and execution of strategic initiatives focused on school network expansion and operational quality. Howell oversees the integration of new schools into the organization, ensuring that each location adheres to established educational standards. By directing cross-functional teams, the President ensures that all operational requirements are met during the growth phase. This role involves analyzing market trends to identify potential areas for new school development. Deborah Howell manages the relationships with local school boards and community partners to foster successful collaborations. Through the oversight of school-level leadership, the President ensures that the mission of the organization is upheld in every classroom. Howell drives the implementation of systems that support teacher retention and student engagement. By focusing on scalable growth, the President ensures that the organization continues to provide quality education to more students. Ultimately, Howell secures the future impact of the organization.

    Rylan Norris - President

    Rylan Norris, the President at National Heritage Academies, directs the operational strategy for specific school clusters, ensuring high levels of academic and administrative performance. Norris oversees the implementation of corporate policies at the school level, maintaining consistency in educational delivery. By monitoring key performance indicators, the President identifies trends that impact student success and operational efficiency. This role involves providing guidance to school principals to help them achieve their goals. Rylan Norris manages the coordination of support services that enhance the learning environment for students. Through the oversight of regional operations, the President ensures that all schools remain compliant with state and federal regulations. Norris collaborates with the executive team to refine operational models based on real-time feedback from the field. By focusing on the practical application of educational strategies, the President supports the overall mission. Ultimately, Norris ensures that every school provides a high-quality experience for students and families.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Heritage Academies Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Heritage Academies?
    National Heritage Academies is led by Jason Pater (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bob Owen (Chief Financial Officer) and Tom Zorn (President).
    Who is part of National Heritage Academies’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Heritage Academies includes leaders such as Jason Pater (Chief Executive Officer), Bob Owen (Chief Financial Officer), Tom Zorn (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Heritage Academies have?
    National Heritage Academies has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Heritage Academies’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Heritage Academies includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President & Chief Learning Officer, Board President.