National Heritage Academies Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Heritage Academies has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and governance.

Driven by a commitment to educational excellence, National Heritage Academies focuses on providing high-quality K-12 education through innovative management and a strong leadership philosophy that prioritizes student success and community impact.

Leadership Roles at National Heritage Academies

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jason Pater
  • President - Peter Stickney
  • President of the Board of Directors - Jason Holder
  • President - Eduardo Amaya
  • Board President - Richard Gordon
  • President & Chief Learning Officer - Nicholas Sheltrown
  • President - Kwame Simmons
  • Board President - Renee Shepherd
  • Jason Pater - Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Pater, the Chief Executive Officer at National Heritage Academies, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. Pater's leadership ensures alignment with the company's mission of providing exceptional K-12 education. This role involves guiding departmental initiatives, fostering innovation in educational delivery, and maintaining the integrity of the management model across all academies. Pater works closely with the Board of Directors to set long-term objectives and monitor organizational performance. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, directly impacting student outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. By focusing on scalable growth and operational efficiency, Jason Pater drives the organization's commitment to educational excellence and community engagement across its network.

    Peter Stickney - President

    Peter Stickney, the President at National Heritage Academies, oversees critical operational functions and strategic partnerships that support the organization's educational mission. Stickney's focus involves enhancing the learning environment and ensuring efficient resource allocation across all managed schools. This leadership position requires close collaboration with academy leaders and support staff to implement best practices in K-12 education management. The President drives initiatives aimed at improving student achievement and fostering a positive school culture. Peter Stickney's role is pivotal in translating strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring that National Heritage Academies consistently delivers on its promise of quality education. By optimizing operational frameworks and championing educational advancements, Stickney contributes significantly to the organization's sustained impact and growth.

    Jason Holder - President of the Board of Directors

    Jason Holder, the President of the Board of Directors at National Heritage Academies, provides critical governance and strategic oversight for the organization. Holder's leadership ensures that the company adheres to its mission and operates with the highest standards of integrity and accountability. This executive role involves guiding board discussions, setting long-term strategic direction, and ensuring robust oversight of management's performance. Jason Holder works to align the board's collective expertise with the organization's goals, focusing on sustainable growth and educational impact. The President of the Board of Directors champions fiduciary responsibility and strategic planning, safeguarding the interests of students, families, and stakeholders. Through diligent governance, Holder reinforces National Heritage Academies' commitment to delivering exceptional K-12 education.
    Jason Holder

    Eduardo Amaya - President

    Eduardo Amaya, the President at National Heritage Academies, directs key strategic initiatives and operational enhancements designed to elevate the educational experience. Amaya's leadership focuses on driving innovation within the K-12 sector and ensuring the effective implementation of academic programs. This role involves fostering collaboration among educational leaders and support teams to achieve superior student outcomes. Eduardo Amaya is instrumental in developing and executing strategies that promote operational excellence and resource optimization across the network of academies. The President's responsibilities include identifying growth opportunities and strengthening the organization's market position. By championing advancements in educational technology and pedagogy, Amaya significantly contributes to National Heritage Academies' commitment to quality learning environments.

    Richard Gordon - Board President

    Richard Gordon, the Board President at National Heritage Academies, provides essential leadership in governance and strategic direction for the organization. Gordon's role ensures that the company's operations align with its core mission of delivering high-quality K-12 education. This position involves guiding the Board of Directors in setting policy, overseeing financial health, and ensuring accountability across all levels of management. Richard Gordon champions the organization's commitment to educational excellence and ethical practices. The Board President facilitates strategic discussions, approves major organizational decisions, and represents the board's interests to stakeholders. By maintaining a strong focus on governance and long-term vision, Gordon supports National Heritage Academies' sustained impact and commitment to student success.

    Nicholas Sheltrown - President & Chief Learning Officer

    Nicholas Sheltrown, the President & Chief Learning Officer at National Heritage Academies, spearheads the development and implementation of innovative learning strategies and curriculum enhancements. Sheltrown's leadership focuses on advancing educational quality and ensuring that all students receive an exceptional learning experience. This critical role involves overseeing academic programs, teacher development, and the integration of effective pedagogical approaches across the network. Nicholas Sheltrown collaborates closely with school leaders and educators to foster a culture of continuous learning and academic achievement. The President & Chief Learning Officer drives initiatives that support student growth, critical thinking, and overall educational success. By focusing on learning outcomes and instructional excellence, Sheltrown significantly contributes to National Heritage Academies' mission.
    Nicholas Sheltrown

    Kwame Simmons - President

    Kwame Simmons, the President at National Heritage Academies, drives strategic initiatives focused on operational efficiency and organizational development. Simmons' leadership ensures that the company's infrastructure effectively supports its educational mission and growth objectives. This role involves overseeing key operational departments, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering a culture of high performance. Kwame Simmons collaborates with executive leadership to implement policies that enhance student services and support staff development. The President plays a vital part in strategic planning, ensuring that operational frameworks are robust and scalable. By focusing on process improvement and strategic alignment, Simmons contributes significantly to National Heritage Academies' commitment to providing quality K-12 education and achieving its long-term goals.

    Renee Shepherd - Board President

    Renee Shepherd, the Board President at National Heritage Academies, provides essential leadership in governance and strategic oversight for the organization. Shepherd's role ensures that the company's operations and strategic decisions align with its core mission of delivering high-quality K-12 education. This position involves guiding the Board of Directors in setting policy, overseeing financial health, and ensuring accountability across all levels of management. Renee Shepherd champions the organization's commitment to educational excellence and ethical practices. The Board President facilitates strategic discussions, approves major organizational decisions, and represents the board's interests to stakeholders. By maintaining a strong focus on governance and long-term vision, Shepherd supports National Heritage Academies' sustained impact and commitment to student success.

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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 Peter Stickney (President) and Jason Holder (President of the Board of Directors).
    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), Peter Stickney (President), Jason Holder (President of the Board of Directors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Heritage Academies have?
    National Heritage Academies has 8 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, President, President of the Board of Directors, President, Board President.