Per Scholas Executive and Leadership Team

Plinio Ayala, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Per Scholas, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Ayala guides the non-profit's mission to provide tuition-free technology training, focusing on empowering unemployed and underemployed adults for successful IT careers. This leadership involves setting strategic priorities, fostering key partnerships, and ensuring the organization's financial health and programmatic impact. Ayala's vision drives Per Scholas' expansion and its commitment to creating pathways for economic mobility through accessible education. Overseeing all major initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the core values of opportunity and professional development. By championing innovative training models, Plinio Ayala solidifies Per Scholas' position as a leader in workforce development within the technology sector, directly impacting thousands of lives annually.

Pam Kingpetcharat, the Chief Financial Officer at Per Scholas, oversees all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the non-profit. Kingpetcharat manages budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the sustainable growth and operational integrity of the organization. This leadership role is critical for maintaining the financial health necessary to deliver tuition-free technology training programs. By safeguarding financial resources, the Chief Financial Officer enables Per Scholas to expand its reach and impact. Pam Kingpetcharat directs the management of grants, donor contributions, and operational expenditures, ensuring compliance and maximizing resource allocation. This executive's expertise is fundamental to the organization's ability to provide consistent, high-quality IT professional training to underserved communities.

Karen Bulthuis, the Chief of Staff at Per Scholas, manages critical operational initiatives and supports the executive leadership team. Bulthuis facilitates strategic planning processes, ensuring seamless execution of organizational goals and priorities. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects, optimizing internal workflows, and enhancing communication across the non-profit. By acting as a key liaison, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic directives translate into actionable plans. Bulthuis's focus on operational efficiency directly supports Per Scholas' mission of providing accessible technology training. Overseeing special projects and driving process improvements, Karen Bulthuis enhances the organization's capacity to serve its student population effectively. This leadership position is vital for maintaining organizational agility and driving forward the ambitious objectives set by the President & Chief Executive Officer.

Montreece Smith, the Chief People Officer at Per Scholas, leads all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Smith is responsible for fostering a positive and productive work environment, driving talent acquisition, retention, and employee engagement across the non-profit. This role is essential for building and supporting the team that delivers Per Scholas' vital technology training programs. By prioritizing employee well-being and professional growth, the Chief People Officer ensures the organization has the skilled personnel needed to achieve its mission. Montreece Smith oversees the development and implementation of HR policies, benefits, and performance management systems, directly contributing to the operational effectiveness of Per Scholas. This leadership ensures the organization's internal culture aligns with its external commitment to opportunity and empowerment.