Rocketship Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rocketship Public Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, organizational operations, academic development, school management, and communications.

Committed to closing the achievement gap, Rocketship Public Schools empowers underserved communities through personalized learning models and rigorous talent development programs that ensure every student reaches full academic potential.

Leadership Roles at Rocketship Public Schools

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Preston Smith
  • Chief of Staff - Fausto Evans
  • Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional - Meghan Pierce
  • Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools - Kristen Duprel
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Chris Murphy
  • Preston Smith - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    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 trajectory, ensuring the organization maintains a focus on personalized learning and community empowerment across all regions. By aligning the board of directors with the mission of providing equal access to quality education, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources to scale operations effectively. Preston Smith monitors the impact of the network on student achievement, specifically targeting the 5-7 month learning acceleration goal. Through constant engagement with stakeholders, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of the school model into new underserved communities. This leadership role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the pedagogical needs of diverse student populations, ultimately ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the K-12 education sector.

    Fausto Evans - Chief of Staff

    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 serving underserved communities through efficient organizational processes. By streamlining communication between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic goals translate into actionable tasks for school leaders. Fausto Evans oversees the integration of talent development programs, facilitating a culture of excellence that directly impacts student outcomes. This role involves managing complex projects that span the entire national network, requiring a deep understanding of the operational nuances inherent in public charter education. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief of Staff enables the organization to focus resources on the core objective of accelerating student learning. Evans maintains the operational integrity of the network, supporting the broader goal of providing equitable educational opportunities for all families.

    Meghan Pierce - Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional

    Meghan Pierce, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional at Rocketship Public Schools, designs the pedagogical frameworks that drive student achievement across the network. Pierce architects the curriculum and professional development strategies, ensuring that every teacher possesses the tools to deliver personalized learning experiences. By analyzing academic data, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional identifies areas for instructional improvement, directly supporting the goal of accelerating student learning by 5-7 months annually. Meghan Pierce collaborates with school leaders to implement evidence-based practices that cater to the specific needs of underserved communities. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between academic theory and classroom reality, ensuring that the educational model remains effective and scalable. Through the continuous refinement of learning programs, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional maintains the high standards of the network, ultimately fostering an environment where students thrive academically and personally.

    Kristen Duprel - Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools

    Kristen Duprel, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools at Rocketship Public Schools, manages the day-to-day performance and operational health of the school sites. Duprel oversees the implementation of school-level policies, ensuring that each campus adheres to the network's mission of community empowerment and academic excellence. By providing direct support to school principals, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools drives consistency in the delivery of the personalized learning model. Kristen Duprel monitors school-wide metrics to ensure that every campus meets the rigorous standards required for student success in underserved areas. This role involves navigating the complexities of school management, from staffing and resource allocation to fostering strong relationships with local families. By maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and instructional quality, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools ensures that the network continues to provide high-performing public charter education to all students.

    Chris Murphy - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    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 campaigns that highlight the success of the personalized learning model, effectively communicating the value of the schools to families and community partners. By managing external relations, the Chief of Staff & Communications Officer ensures that the organization's mission of equal access to quality education remains at the forefront of public discourse. Chris Murphy oversees the development of messaging that resonates with underserved communities, fostering trust and encouraging family participation in the educational process. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to ensure consistent brand representation across all markets. By leveraging data-driven marketing strategies, the Chief of Staff & Communications Officer expands the reach of the network, supporting the overall growth and impact of the organization in the K-12 education landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rocketship Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rocketship Public Schools?
    Rocketship Public Schools is led by Preston Smith (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Fausto Evans (Chief of Staff) and Meghan Pierce (Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional).
    Who is part of Rocketship Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rocketship Public Schools includes leaders such as Preston Smith (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Fausto Evans (Chief of Staff), Meghan Pierce (Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rocketship Public Schools have?
    Rocketship Public Schools has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rocketship Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rocketship Public Schools includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional, Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.