National Heritage Academies Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to academic excellence, National Heritage Academies empowers students through high-quality education management services while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and community engagement across all managed schools.

Leadership Roles at National Heritage Academies

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jason Pater
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Owen
  • President & Chief Learning Officer - Nicholas Sheltrown
  • President - Peter Stickney
  • President - Eduardo Amaya
  • Board President - Richard Gordon
  • Board President - Renee Shepherd
  • President - Karla Kish
  • President - Rylan Norris
  • President of the Board of Directors - Jason Holder
  • Jason Pater - Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Pater, the Chief Executive Officer at National Heritage Academies, directs the overarching strategic vision for the education management organization. Pater architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring operational alignment across all school sites. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on academic performance and organizational sustainability. This role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine educational models and expand market reach throughout the United States. Jason Pater drives the implementation of innovative teaching frameworks that enhance student outcomes. Through rigorous analysis of educational trends, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the organization within the K-12 sector. Pater prioritizes the development of scalable systems that support teachers and administrators in delivering high-quality instruction. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every decision aligns with the core mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities to diverse student populations.

    Robert Owen - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert 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, financial reporting, and resource distribution across all managed academies. By analyzing economic data, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term viability of educational programs. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to optimize operational efficiency and maximize funding impact. Robert Owen drives financial transparency and accountability, providing the necessary data to support strategic decision-making. Through careful management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks while identifying opportunities for expansion. Owen maintains rigorous standards for financial compliance, ensuring that all fiscal activities support the broader educational goals. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required to sustain high-quality learning environments for students across the entire network.

    Nicholas Sheltrown - President & Chief Learning Officer

    Nicholas Sheltrown, the President & Chief Learning Officer at National Heritage Academies, architects the academic curriculum and pedagogical standards across the organization. Sheltrown oversees the development of instructional frameworks that drive student achievement and teacher effectiveness. By integrating data-driven insights into classroom practices, the President & Chief Learning Officer ensures consistent academic quality. This role involves collaborating with school leaders to implement evidence-based strategies that improve learning outcomes. Nicholas Sheltrown drives the evolution of educational programs to meet the changing needs of students in a modern landscape. Through the oversight of professional development initiatives, the President & Chief Learning Officer empowers educators to excel in their roles. Sheltrown maintains a focus on rigorous assessment and continuous improvement cycles. Ultimately, the President & Chief Learning Officer secures the academic integrity of the organization, ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
    Nicholas Sheltrown

    Peter Stickney - President

    Peter Stickney, the President at National Heritage Academies, directs the operational execution of school management services within specific regional markets. Stickney oversees the daily performance of academies, ensuring that operational standards align with the broader organizational mission. By managing relationships with school boards and community stakeholders, the President fosters strong partnerships that support student success. This leadership role involves optimizing school-level operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Peter Stickney drives the implementation of standardized processes that maintain high quality across diverse locations. Through the coordination of regional resources, the President ensures that each academy receives the necessary support to thrive. Stickney monitors key performance indicators to track progress and address operational challenges promptly. Ultimately, the President secures the operational excellence of the organization, ensuring that every school site functions effectively to provide a superior educational experience for all enrolled students.

    Eduardo Amaya - President

    Eduardo Amaya, the President at National Heritage Academies, manages the strategic growth and expansion of educational services within designated territories. Amaya oversees the integration of new school sites into the existing network, ensuring that operational standards remain consistent during periods of scaling. By analyzing regional market dynamics, the President identifies opportunities to increase the footprint of the organization. This role involves collaborating with internal departments to streamline administrative functions and improve service delivery. Eduardo Amaya drives the adoption of best practices that enhance the overall efficiency of school management. Through the oversight of regional operations, the President ensures that each academy meets the high expectations set by the organization. Amaya maintains a focus on sustainable growth and long-term viability. Ultimately, the President secures the successful operation of schools, ensuring that the organization continues to provide high-quality education to a growing number of students.

    Richard Gordon - Board President

    Richard Gordon, the Board President at National Heritage Academies, leads the governance activities for specific school boards within the network. Gordon oversees the adherence to bylaws, policies, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that each board operates with transparency and integrity. By facilitating productive board meetings, the Board President guides the decision-making process regarding school-level strategy and resource allocation. This role involves maintaining a strong connection between the board and the management organization to ensure alignment on educational goals. Richard Gordon drives the evaluation of school performance, holding the organization accountable for achieving academic and operational targets. Through the oversight of board committees, the Board President ensures that all governance responsibilities are met effectively. Gordon prioritizes the interests of students and families in every board decision. Ultimately, the Board President secures the ethical and strategic direction of the schools, fostering an environment where academic excellence remains the primary focus.

    Renee Shepherd - Board President

    Renee Shepherd, the Board President at National Heritage Academies, directs the governance and oversight functions for assigned school boards. Shepherd oversees the development of policies that guide school operations and ensure compliance with state and federal education laws. By fostering collaboration among board members, the Board President ensures that strategic decisions reflect the needs of the local community. This role involves monitoring the performance of the management organization to ensure that academic and financial goals are achieved. Renee Shepherd drives the implementation of rigorous oversight mechanisms that protect the interests of students and stakeholders. Through the management of board agendas and discussions, the Board President ensures that all critical issues receive appropriate attention. Shepherd maintains a focus on long-term sustainability and educational quality. Ultimately, the Board President secures the effective governance of the schools, ensuring that each academy remains committed to its mission of providing exceptional learning opportunities.

    Karla Kish - President

    Karla Kish, the President at National Heritage Academies, manages the operational oversight of school programs within specific geographic regions. Kish oversees the implementation of educational initiatives that support student achievement and school culture. By coordinating with school leaders, the President ensures that instructional strategies are executed effectively across all classrooms. This role involves analyzing performance data to identify areas for improvement and implementing targeted solutions. Karla Kish drives the development of operational systems that enhance the efficiency of school management. Through the oversight of regional resources, the President ensures that each academy has the support necessary to meet its goals. Kish maintains a focus on maintaining high standards of excellence in every school. Ultimately, the President secures the successful operation of the academies, ensuring that the organization continues to deliver high-quality education and support to students and families in the communities served.

    Rylan Norris - President

    Rylan Norris, the President at National Heritage Academies, directs the strategic management of school operations within assigned territories. Norris oversees the alignment of school-level activities with the broader organizational objectives, ensuring that academic and operational standards are consistently met. By managing relationships with key stakeholders, the President fosters a supportive environment for students and staff. This role involves optimizing the use of resources to improve school performance and operational efficiency. Rylan Norris drives the adoption of innovative practices that enhance the educational experience for all students. Through the oversight of regional operations, the President ensures that each academy remains focused on its core mission. Norris monitors progress toward key performance indicators and implements adjustments as needed. Ultimately, the President secures the operational success of the schools, ensuring that the organization maintains its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering student growth across the network.

    Jason Holder - President of the Board of Directors

    Jason Holder, the President of the Board of Directors at National Heritage Academies, leads the governance and strategic oversight for the board. Holder oversees the development of policies that ensure the organization remains true to its mission and values. By facilitating communication between the board and the executive leadership, the President of the Board of Directors ensures that strategic goals are clearly defined and pursued. This role involves monitoring the overall performance of the organization and holding leadership accountable for results. Jason Holder drives the implementation of governance best practices that promote transparency and ethical conduct. Through the oversight of board activities, the President of the Board of Directors ensures that all fiduciary responsibilities are fulfilled. Holder maintains a focus on the long-term success of the schools and the students served. Ultimately, the President of the Board of Directors secures the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring that it continues to provide high-quality educational opportunities.
    Jason Holder

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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 Robert Owen (Chief Financial Officer) and Nicholas Sheltrown (President & Chief Learning Officer).
    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), Robert Owen (Chief Financial Officer), Nicholas Sheltrown (President & Chief Learning Officer) 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 & Chief Learning Officer, President, President.