Primrose Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Primrose Schools has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, and legal compliance.

Committed to delivering premier early education, Primrose Schools fosters child development through a research-based curriculum and a national network of accredited private preschools across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Primrose Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jo Kirchner
  • Chief Executive Officer & Owner - Curt Van Emon
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Gray
  • Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer - Jordan Owens
  • President - Raghav Varma
  • Owner and President - Arshia Nizam
  • Chief Technology Officer - Avery Ma
  • Chief Legal Officer - Kristin Goran
  • Jo Kirchner - Chief Executive Officer

    Jo Kirchner, the Chief Executive Officer at Primrose Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national system of accredited private preschools. Kirchner architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the consistent delivery of premier early education and child care experiences across all locations. By aligning corporate objectives with the needs of families, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of educational quality. Jo Kirchner monitors market trends to expand the footprint of the organization throughout the United States. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine the proprietary curriculum and operational model. Through rigorous oversight of brand integrity, the Chief Executive Officer secures the reputation of the company as a leader in the early childhood sector. Kirchner drives innovation in pedagogical approaches to support holistic child development, ultimately ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the entire franchise network.

    Curt Van Emon - Chief Executive Officer & Owner

    Curt Van Emon, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner at Primrose Schools, manages the ownership interests and high-level governance of the franchise system. Van Emon drives the financial health and capital allocation strategies necessary to support the expansion of private preschools nationwide. Overseeing the alignment between ownership goals and operational execution, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner ensures that the business model remains robust and scalable. Curt Van Emon evaluates investment opportunities to strengthen the market position of the organization within the competitive child care industry. This role requires balancing the interests of stakeholders with the mission of providing high-quality early education. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner maintains the stability of the franchise network. Van Emon secures the future of the company through strategic planning and the consistent application of business principles across all regional operations.

    Robert Gray - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Gray, the Chief Financial Officer at Primrose Schools, directs the fiscal strategy and financial reporting for the national system of private preschools. Gray architects the budgeting processes and capital management plans that sustain the growth of the franchise network. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards and internal fiscal policies. Robert Gray analyzes revenue streams and cost structures to optimize profitability across all regional operations. This leadership role involves providing critical financial insights to the executive team to inform strategic decision-making. By managing relationships with financial partners and investors, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for continued expansion. Gray monitors economic indicators to mitigate risks and capitalize on market opportunities. Through disciplined financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term mission of providing premier early education and child care services to families nationwide.
    Robert Gray

    Jordan Owens - Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer

    Jordan Owens, the Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer at Primrose Schools, executes the daily operational standards across the national network of preschools. Owens architects the processes that ensure consistent quality in child care and educational delivery at the local level. Overseeing the operational efficiency of the franchise system, the Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer drives the implementation of best practices for school management. Jordan Owens collaborates with other leaders to refine the operational model and support the success of individual franchisees. This role involves monitoring performance metrics to ensure that every location meets the high standards of the brand. By focusing on the practical application of the curriculum, the Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the educational experience. Owens manages the logistics of regional operations to ensure smooth functioning. Through hands-on leadership, the Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer supports the growth and operational excellence of the entire organization.
    Jordan Owens

    Raghav Varma - President

    Raghav Varma, the President at Primrose Schools, leads the execution of the corporate mission across the national network of private preschools. Varma architects the strategic initiatives that drive brand awareness and market penetration. Overseeing the alignment of departmental goals, the President ensures that the organization maintains its position as a leader in early education. Raghav Varma collaborates with the executive team to refine the service offerings and enhance the experience for families. This leadership role involves managing the overall direction of the company to support sustainable growth. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President ensures that the research-based curriculum is delivered effectively at every location. Varma monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for expansion and service improvement. Through dynamic leadership, the President drives the operational success of the franchise system, ensuring that the organization continues to provide premier child care and educational experiences across the United States.

    Arshia Nizam - Owner and President

    Arshia Nizam, the Owner and President at Primrose Schools, manages the high-level governance and strategic direction of the franchise system. Nizam architects the vision for the organization, ensuring that the commitment to premier early education remains central to all business activities. Overseeing the long-term development of the brand, the Owner and President drives initiatives that expand the reach of the preschool network. Arshia Nizam collaborates with other executives to ensure that the operational model supports the needs of families and franchisees alike. This leadership role involves balancing ownership responsibilities with the strategic management of the company. By maintaining a focus on quality and innovation, the Owner and President secures the market position of the organization. Nizam monitors the performance of the franchise system to ensure consistent delivery of services. Through dedicated leadership, the Owner and President supports the growth and success of the entire national network.

    Avery Ma - Chief Technology Officer

    Avery Ma, the Chief Technology Officer at Primrose Schools, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the national network of accredited preschools. Ma drives the implementation of advanced systems to streamline administrative tasks for franchisees and enhance communication with families. Overseeing the integration of educational technology, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that digital tools align with the research-based curriculum. Avery Ma manages data security protocols to protect sensitive information across the entire United States operation. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to optimize operational efficiency through software solutions. By modernizing the technological framework, the Chief Technology Officer supports the scalability of the franchise model. Ma monitors emerging tech trends to maintain a competitive edge in the early education market. Through the deployment of robust platforms, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates seamless interactions between the corporate office and individual school locations, driving overall organizational performance.
    Kristin Goran, the Chief Legal Officer at Primrose Schools, directs the legal strategy and compliance framework for the national system of accredited preschools. Goran architects the policies that protect the intellectual property and brand reputation of the organization. Overseeing all legal matters, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that franchise agreements and operational contracts align with industry regulations across the United States. Kristin Goran manages risk mitigation efforts to safeguard the interests of the company and its stakeholders. This leadership role involves providing counsel to the executive team on complex legal issues related to child care and education. By navigating the regulatory landscape, the Chief Legal Officer supports the expansion of the franchise network. Goran monitors legislative changes that impact the early childhood sector. Through proactive legal management, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the organization operates within the highest standards of integrity and legal compliance.
    Kristin Goran

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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 Robert Gray (Chief Financial 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), Robert Gray (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Primrose Schools have?
    Primrose Schools has 8 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, Chief Financial Officer, Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer, President.