Rocketship Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Preston Smith, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national network of charter elementary schools. Smith architects the long-term growth plan, ensuring the organization maintains a focus on personalized learning and community empowerment. By aligning the executive team with the mission of serving underserved populations, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all regional campuses. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to secure resources for expanding access to quality education. Through the implementation of data-driven instructional models, Preston Smith accelerates student learning outcomes significantly each year. The Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer maintains a rigorous standard for school performance, ensuring that every campus meets the high expectations set for student achievement. Ultimately, Smith secures the future of the network by fostering strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders.

Benjamin Carson, the Chief Financial Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, oversees the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the national charter network. Carson manages the allocation of resources to ensure that every elementary school receives the funding necessary to support personalized learning programs. By architecting robust financial strategies, the Chief of Financial Officer enables the organization to expand its reach into new underserved communities. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of budget planning, grant management, and operational expenditures. Benjamin Carson collaborates with the executive team to align financial investments with the core mission of accelerating student achievement. Through the implementation of transparent fiscal policies, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the trust of stakeholders and donors. Carson drives efficiency by identifying cost-effective solutions that maximize the impact of every dollar spent on student education, ensuring the network remains a viable and high-performing public charter option.

Fausto Evans, the Chief of Staff at Rocketship Public Schools, manages the internal operational cadence and cross-functional alignment of the executive leadership team. Evans coordinates high-priority initiatives that support the network's mission of providing equal access to quality education. By streamlining communication between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized with the needs of underserved communities. This role involves overseeing complex projects that impact school-level performance and resource allocation. Fausto Evans facilitates decision-making processes that allow the network to scale effectively while maintaining the integrity of the personalized learning model. Through the management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the entire organization. Evans monitors progress on key performance indicators, providing the necessary oversight to ensure that all operational activities directly contribute to the acceleration of student learning across the national network.

Meghan Pierce, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional at Rocketship Public Schools, directs the development and implementation of the network's core instructional frameworks. Pierce architects academic programs that prioritize personalized learning to meet the unique needs of students in underserved communities. By integrating professional development for educators, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional ensures that teaching quality remains consistently high across all campuses. This role involves analyzing student performance data to refine curriculum standards and improve learning outcomes. Meghan Pierce collaborates with school leaders to foster an environment of continuous improvement and academic rigor. Through the oversight of learning initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional drives the network's proven track record of accelerating student growth. Pierce maintains a focus on evidence-based practices, ensuring that every academic strategy directly supports the mission of empowering students to reach their full potential.

Alexandra McGroarty, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, manages the talent acquisition and retention strategies essential for maintaining high-performing school teams. McGroarty architects recruitment processes that attract educators dedicated to the mission of serving underserved communities. By overseeing professional development and staff support systems, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the network retains top-tier talent capable of delivering personalized learning. This role involves fostering a culture of empowerment and equity within the workforce. Alexandra McGroarty collaborates with the executive team to align human capital strategies with the broader organizational goals of academic acceleration. Through the management of performance evaluation frameworks, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer drives accountability and excellence across all school sites. McGroarty implements policies that support staff well-being, ensuring that the network remains a destination for professionals committed to championing children's education and closing the achievement gap.

Kristen Duprel, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools at Rocketship Public Schools, oversees the daily operations and instructional leadership of the network's elementary campuses. Duprel architects school-level strategies that ensure consistent implementation of the personalized learning model. By providing direct support to school principals, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools drives the operational success required to accelerate student learning by 5-7 months each year. This role involves monitoring campus performance and addressing challenges that hinder academic progress. Kristen Duprel collaborates with regional leaders to ensure that every school remains a safe and empowering environment for students and families. Through the management of school-based initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools maintains the high standards of the network. Duprel focuses on building strong community connections, ensuring that each school effectively serves the specific needs of the local population while upholding the national mission.

Chris Murphy, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, directs the brand strategy and public engagement efforts for the national network. Murphy architects communication campaigns that highlight the impact of personalized learning on underserved communities. By managing external relations, the Chief of Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that families and stakeholders understand the value of the network's high-performing charter schools. This role involves crafting narratives that champion the mission of equal access to quality education. Chris Murphy collaborates with the executive team to align messaging with the organization's growth objectives and community empowerment goals. Through the oversight of digital and traditional media channels, the Chief of Marketing & Communications Officer drives awareness and enrollment across all regions. Murphy maintains a consistent brand voice that reflects the commitment to student potential, ensuring that the network remains a recognized leader in the public education sector.