Playworks Executive and Leadership Team

Elizabeth Cushing, the Chief Executive Officer at Playworks, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Cushing manages the expansion of play-based programs into schools across North America, ensuring alignment with core non-profit objectives. By collaborating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to scale impact within the educational sector. Elizabeth Cushing drives the mission to create inclusive environments where children learn and grow through structured play. The Chief Executive Officer monitors organizational health, evaluates program efficacy, and maintains relationships with key stakeholders. Through rigorous oversight of national initiatives, Cushing ensures that every school partner receives high-quality support. This leadership role demands constant innovation in social-emotional learning methodologies. By prioritizing sustainable growth, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the long-term viability of the organization, ultimately empowering students to develop essential life skills through consistent, positive physical activity and social interaction.

Satoshi Steimetz, the Chief Financial Officer at Playworks, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Steimetz oversees all financial planning, reporting, and resource allocation to support the expansion of play-based programs. By analyzing revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds directly benefit school-based initiatives. Satoshi Steimetz coordinates with the executive team to align financial strategies with the broader mission of fostering healthy school climates. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous compliance standards and optimizes internal controls to protect the non-profit status. Through careful management of assets, Steimetz supports the scaling of programs across diverse regional markets. This role involves forecasting long-term financial needs and mitigating risks associated with national operations. By providing transparent financial data, the Chief Financial Officer enables informed decision-making, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the growth and development of children within the Playworks network.

Michelle Serrano, the President at Playworks, oversees the daily operational execution and program delivery across all regional sites. Serrano directs the implementation of play-based curricula, ensuring that school partners receive consistent, high-quality support. By managing the operational infrastructure, the President facilitates the seamless integration of programs into diverse school environments. Michelle Serrano coordinates with regional directors to maintain service standards and drive performance metrics. This leadership role involves refining internal processes to increase efficiency and maximize the impact of every school engagement. The President monitors program outcomes, adjusting operational tactics to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. By fostering a culture of excellence, Serrano ensures that the organization remains a leader in social-emotional learning. Through the oversight of national operations, the President guarantees that the mission of creating inclusive, active environments remains the primary focus of all field activities, ultimately supporting the growth and development of children.

Mitchell Kershner, the Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Playworks, architects the brand identity and public engagement strategies for the organization. Kershner drives awareness of the benefits of play-based learning, ensuring that the mission reaches educators and administrators across the country. By developing compelling narratives, the Founder & Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the organization into new educational markets. Mitchell Kershner collaborates with the leadership team to translate complex social-emotional learning concepts into accessible messaging. This role involves managing digital presence, public relations, and community outreach to build a robust network of supporters. The Founder & Chief Marketing Officer evaluates market trends to refine communication strategies, ensuring consistent growth in program adoption. By championing the value of recess as a critical component of child development, Kershner secures the visibility necessary for sustained impact. Through strategic storytelling, the Founder & Chief Marketing Officer elevates the profile of the organization within the national educational landscape.