Primrose Schools Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Primrose Schools has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, operations, legal, commercial, and franchise development.

Driven by a commitment to early childhood education, Primrose Schools provides a premier learning experience for children and families nationwide, fostering a philosophy of purposeful play and nurturing environments.

Leadership Roles at Primrose Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jo Kirchner
  • Chief Executive Officer & Owner - Curt Van Emon
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - De Gebhardt
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Gray
  • Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer - Jordan Owens
  • President - Lori Gower
  • Owner and President - David Wilson
  • Chief Technology Officer - Avery Ma
  • Chief Legal Officer - Kristin Goran
  • Chief Commercial Officer - Greg Foglesong
  • Jo Kirchner - Chief Executive Officer

    Jo Kirchner, the Chief Executive Officer at Primrose Schools, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the national network of accredited private preschools. Kirchner guides the organization's mission to provide a premier early education and child care experience, ensuring alignment with the company's founding principles. This leadership involves fostering innovation in curriculum development and educational methodologies across all franchised locations. Kirchner's focus remains on enhancing the quality of education and the overall family experience, driving growth and maintaining the brand's reputation for excellence in early childhood development. The Chief Executive Officer's role is central to maintaining the high standards that define Primrose Schools' market position. Jo Kirchner ensures that the company's strategic vision translates into tangible educational outcomes for children nationwide.

    Curt Van Emon - Chief Executive Officer & Owner

    Curt Van Emon, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner at Primrose Schools, spearheads the strategic direction and ownership oversight for the national system of accredited private preschools. Van Emon's leadership ensures the continued delivery of a premier early education and child care experience, upholding the core values of the organization. This role involves driving expansion initiatives and maintaining operational excellence across the United States. The Chief Executive Officer & Owner's responsibilities encompass fostering a strong franchise network and ensuring consistent brand standards. Curt Van Emon's vision guides the company's commitment to providing high-quality early learning environments for children and families, reinforcing Primrose Schools' standing in the consumer services sector.

    De Gebhardt - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    De Gebhardt, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Primrose Schools, directs the strategic vision and ownership responsibilities for the accredited private preschools. Gebhardt's leadership ensures the delivery of a premier early education and child care experience across the United States. This executive role involves guiding the company's growth trajectory and maintaining its commitment to high-quality early learning. The Owner & Chief Executive Officer's purview includes fostering strong relationships within the franchise system and upholding the brand's reputation. De Gebhardt's strategic oversight is critical to the continued success and expansion of Primrose Schools, focusing on educational excellence and family engagement.

    Robert Gray - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Gray, the Chief Financial Officer at Primrose Schools, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the national system of accredited private preschools. Gray oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies, ensuring the organization's fiscal stability and growth. This role is critical in supporting the company's mission to provide a premier early education and child care experience by allocating resources effectively across its United States operations. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Robert Gray's expertise drives financial efficiency and supports the long-term sustainability of Primrose Schools' educational model.
    Robert Gray

    Jordan Owens - Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer

    Jordan Owens, the Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer at Primrose Schools, directs the operational execution and franchise network management for the accredited private preschools. Owens ensures the consistent delivery of a premier early education and child care experience across the United States, focusing on operational efficiency and quality standards. This role involves supporting franchisees in their day-to-day operations, driving best practices, and overseeing the implementation of company-wide initiatives. The Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include optimizing operational processes to enhance the learning environment for children and the overall business performance of the schools. Jordan Owens' leadership is vital in maintaining the high standards that define Primrose Schools' brand and market presence.
    Jordan Owens

    Lori Gower - President

    Lori Gower, the President at Primrose Schools, leads key strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the national system of accredited private preschools. Gower's leadership ensures the consistent delivery of a premier early education and child care experience for children and families across the United States. This executive position involves driving organizational effectiveness and fostering a culture of excellence throughout the franchise network. The President's responsibilities include collaborating with other senior leaders to advance the company's mission and strategic goals. Lori Gower's role is integral to maintaining the high standards and operational integrity that define Primrose Schools' commitment to early childhood education.

    David Wilson - Owner and President

    David Wilson, the Owner and President at Primrose Schools, directs the strategic vision and operational leadership for the national system of accredited private preschools. Wilson's oversight ensures the continued provision of a premier early education and child care experience across the United States, upholding the brand's core values. This executive role involves guiding the company's growth and development, focusing on maintaining high standards of educational quality and operational excellence. The Owner and President's responsibilities encompass fostering a robust franchise network and ensuring alignment with the company's mission. David Wilson's leadership is fundamental to the sustained success and expansion of Primrose Schools' commitment to early childhood development.

    Avery Ma - Chief Technology Officer

    Avery Ma, the Chief Technology Officer at Primrose Schools, leads the technological strategy and infrastructure development for the national network of accredited private preschools. Ma is responsible for implementing innovative technology solutions that enhance the educational experience for children and streamline operations for franchisees across the United States. This executive role involves overseeing the development and maintenance of digital platforms, learning management systems, and data security protocols. The Chief Technology Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to support the company's mission of providing a premier early education and child care experience. Avery Ma's leadership ensures that Primrose Schools remains at the forefront of educational technology, driving efficiency and improving engagement for families and educators.
    Kristin Goran, the Chief Legal Officer at Primrose Schools, oversees all legal affairs and ensures regulatory compliance for the national system of accredited private preschools. Goran provides strategic legal counsel on matters including corporate governance, contract negotiations, intellectual property, and risk management across the United States. This executive role is crucial in safeguarding the company's interests and upholding its commitment to providing a premier early education and child care experience. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities include advising leadership on legal implications of business decisions and managing litigation. Kristin Goran's expertise ensures that Primrose Schools operates within all legal frameworks, protecting the brand and supporting its continued growth and mission.
    Kristin Goran

    Greg Foglesong - Chief Commercial Officer

    Greg Foglesong, the Chief Commercial Officer at Primrose Schools, drives the commercial strategy and market expansion for the national network of accredited private preschools. Foglesong is responsible for developing and executing strategies that enhance brand visibility, customer acquisition, and revenue growth across the United States. This executive role involves overseeing marketing, sales, and business development initiatives aimed at strengthening Primrose Schools' market position. The Chief Commercial Officer's focus is on identifying new opportunities and optimizing existing commercial channels to support the company's mission of delivering a premier early education and child care experience. Greg Foglesong's leadership is key to expanding the reach and impact of Primrose Schools.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Primrose Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Primrose Schools?
    Primrose Schools is led by Jo Kirchner (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Curt Van Emon (Chief Executive Officer & Owner) and De Gebhardt (Owner & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Primrose Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Primrose Schools includes leaders such as Jo Kirchner (Chief Executive Officer), Curt Van Emon (Chief Executive Officer & Owner), De Gebhardt (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Primrose Schools have?
    Primrose Schools has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Primrose Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Primrose Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Owner, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer.