Stride Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stride has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, technology, and human resources.

Focused on expanding access to quality education, Stride delivers innovative online learning solutions that empower students and adult learners to achieve success in high-demand career fields across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Stride

  • Chief Executive Officer - Robert Knowling Jr.
  • Chief Financial Officer - Donna Blackman
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Hannah Deb
  • Chief Information Officer - Levon Hooks
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Valerie Maddy
  • Robert Knowling Jr. - Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Knowling Jr., the Chief Executive Officer at Stride, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the expansion of online and blended K12 schooling programs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between public school partnerships and internal educational goals. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while scaling career learning initiatives for adult learners. By prioritizing operational excellence, Robert Knowling Jr. drives the company toward sustainable growth in the competitive education technology sector. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to refine market positioning and enhance service delivery. Through rigorous oversight of national operations, Knowling Jr. secures the company's status as a leader in digital education, ensuring that every curriculum platform meets the evolving needs of modern students and professional learners across diverse geographic regions.
    Robert Knowling Jr.

    Donna Blackman - Chief Financial Officer

    Donna Blackman, the Chief Financial Officer at Stride, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing fiscal health, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that investments in curriculum development and technology platforms align with long-term profitability goals. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary requirements for both public school partnerships and private education offerings. By implementing robust financial controls, Donna Blackman supports the company's mission to provide accessible education while maintaining operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executive leaders to evaluate the economic impact of new career learning programs and adult education initiatives. Through meticulous analysis of market performance, Blackman secures the financial stability necessary for continued innovation. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the fiscal foundation that allows the company to scale its educational impact across the United States effectively.

    Hannah Deb - Chief Marketing Officer

    Hannah Deb, the Chief Marketing Officer at Stride, directs all brand positioning and customer acquisition strategies for the company's diverse educational portfolio. Overseeing national outreach campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of online K12 schooling and career training reaches target demographics effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize enrollment funnels and strengthen partnerships with public school districts. By leveraging data-driven insights, Hannah Deb enhances the visibility of skills-based training programs in IT, healthcare, and business sectors. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to tailor messaging for specific market needs, ensuring consistent brand identity across all digital platforms. Ultimately, Deb drives significant growth by connecting prospective students with the transformative learning opportunities provided by the organization, thereby solidifying the company's reputation as a premier provider of flexible, high-quality educational services.

    Levon Hooks - Chief Information Officer

    Levon Hooks, the Chief Information Officer at Stride, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives that support the company's online learning platforms. Overseeing the development of secure, scalable curriculum delivery systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and educators have seamless access to high-quality digital resources. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data integrity across all K12 and adult education programs. By integrating advanced technology into the learning experience, Levon Hooks drives the company's ability to provide flexible, blended schooling solutions. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with product teams to implement innovative tools that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Through the modernization of internal systems, Hooks supports the organization's broad market reach and operational agility. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the robust digital environment required to sustain the company's position as a leader in the education technology industry.
    Levon Hooks

    Valerie Maddy - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Valerie Maddy, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Stride, directs the talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement strategies for the company. Overseeing the cultivation of a high-performance culture, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of providing quality education. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that support staff in delivering exceptional service to students and school districts. By fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment, Valerie Maddy drives the retention of top-tier talent across all operational departments. The Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align human capital initiatives with the company's growth objectives. Through the implementation of strategic workforce planning, Maddy ensures that the organization possesses the necessary expertise to scale its career learning and K12 programs effectively.
    Valerie Maddy

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stride Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stride?
    Stride is led by Robert Knowling Jr. (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Donna Blackman (Chief Financial Officer) and Hannah Deb (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of Stride’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stride includes leaders such as Robert Knowling Jr. (Chief Executive Officer), Donna Blackman (Chief Financial Officer), Hannah Deb (Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stride have?
    Stride has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stride’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stride includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.