Leadership Overview
School Specialty has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and educational resource development.
Focused on enhancing learning environments, School Specialty delivers essential educational supplies and furniture to schools across North America, driving academic success through high-quality, specialized classroom solutions.
Focused on enhancing learning environments, School Specialty delivers essential educational supplies and furniture to schools across North America, driving academic success through high-quality, specialized classroom solutions.
Leadership Roles at School Specialty
Ryan Bohr - President & Chief Executive Officer
Ryan Bohr, the President & Chief Executive Officer at School Specialty, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the distribution of educational supplies and furniture. By aligning organizational goals with the needs of pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade institutions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent market growth. Ryan Bohr manages high-level relationships with the Board and oversees the integration of various business units to maintain a competitive edge in the retail education sector. This leadership role involves identifying emerging trends in classroom design and supply chain efficiency to optimize service delivery across North America. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives long-term value for stakeholders. By fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence, the executive secures the company's position as a primary partner for educators seeking reliable, high-quality learning materials and furniture solutions.

Kevin Baehler - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Baehler, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at School Specialty, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing the fiscal health of the company, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer manages budgeting processes and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Kevin Baehler collaborates with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities in new educational product lines and furniture designs. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to forecast revenue growth and mitigate financial risks associated with the retail education industry. By maintaining strong relationships with investors and financial institutions, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to fund strategic initiatives. Through precise financial modeling and cost management, the executive supports the long-term sustainability of the business, ensuring that resources remain focused on delivering high-quality educational supplies to classrooms throughout the country.

Hollie Wagner - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Hollie Wagner, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at School Specialty, manages the treasury functions, tax strategy, and internal audit processes. Overseeing the financial integrity of the organization, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all accounting practices support the company's mission of providing educational supplies. Hollie Wagner leads the development of financial performance metrics that track the success of various product categories and furniture sales. This role involves working closely with department heads to align departmental budgets with the broader corporate strategy. By identifying opportunities for cost reduction and revenue optimization, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the company's balance sheet. Through rigorous financial oversight and the implementation of robust internal controls, the executive provides the stability required for the company to invest in new educational solutions, ultimately supporting the growth and market impact of the entire enterprise.
Jason Belsito - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Jason Belsito, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at School Specialty, manages the daily operational workflows and logistics networks required to distribute educational products. Overseeing the fulfillment centers and inventory management systems, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that schools receive essential supplies and furniture on schedule. Jason Belsito coordinates with procurement teams to maintain a robust supply chain capable of meeting the seasonal demands of the academic calendar. This role involves streamlining internal processes to reduce overhead costs while simultaneously improving the customer experience for educators. By implementing advanced data analytics, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer monitors operational efficiency across regional distribution hubs. Through the optimization of warehouse operations and logistics, the executive supports the company's mission to provide seamless access to learning tools, ultimately enhancing the operational capacity of the entire organization.

Thomas Slagle - President & Chief Operating Officer
Thomas Slagle, the President & Chief Operating Officer at School Specialty, architects the strategic expansion of service offerings and internal business processes. Focusing on the integration of technology into the supply chain, the President & Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in digital procurement platforms for school districts. Thomas Slagle oversees the implementation of scalable infrastructure to support the distribution of specialized furniture and classroom equipment. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure that product development aligns with the evolving needs of modern learning environments. By refining the operational framework, the President & Chief Operating Officer enhances the speed and reliability of service delivery across diverse geographic markets. Through the application of lean management principles, the executive optimizes resource allocation and improves overall productivity. This leadership focus ensures that the company maintains a robust operational foundation while adapting to the complex requirements of the educational sector.
Holden Rick - President, Education Resource
Holden Rick, the President, Education Resource at School Specialty, directs the development and curation of the company's extensive portfolio of educational materials. Overseeing the product lifecycle, the President, Education Resource ensures that all supplies and furniture meet the specific pedagogical requirements of pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade classrooms. Holden Rick collaborates with educators and curriculum experts to identify gaps in the market and introduce innovative learning tools. This role involves managing vendor partnerships and product sourcing to maintain a diverse and high-quality inventory. By aligning the product strategy with current educational standards, the President, Education Resource drives engagement and adoption across school districts. Through the continuous evaluation of market feedback, the executive refines the product mix to better serve the needs of students and teachers. This leadership focus ensures that the company remains a trusted provider of essential resources that facilitate effective learning and classroom management.
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