Stride Executive and Leadership Team

Robert Knowling Jr., the Chief Executive Officer at Stride, directs the overarching strategic 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 corporate growth objectives. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while scaling career learning initiatives for adult education. By prioritizing technological integration within curriculum platforms, Robert Knowling Jr. drives the company toward long-term market leadership in the education sector. Knowling maintains constant communication with the Board to refine operational goals and secure sustainable revenue streams. Through rigorous oversight of national initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of academic excellence and professional development, ensuring that Stride remains at the forefront of modern educational delivery systems while consistently meeting the evolving needs of diverse student populations across the country.

Donna Blackman, the Chief Financial Officer at Stride, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a strong balance sheet to support ongoing investments in career learning and adult education programs. This role involves analyzing market trends to optimize resource distribution across various business units, including K12 schooling and skills-based training. By driving cost-efficiency initiatives, Donna Blackman supports the long-term sustainability of the company's educational mission. Blackman works closely with the executive team to evaluate potential partnerships and growth opportunities within the competitive education landscape. Through disciplined financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to advance technological platforms and expand service offerings, ultimately ensuring that Stride delivers consistent value to stakeholders while maintaining the financial agility required to navigate the dynamic U.S. education market.

Levon Hooks, the Chief Information Officer at Stride, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all online learning platforms. Managing the security and scalability of curriculum delivery systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access for students and educators nationwide. This role involves deploying advanced technology solutions that facilitate remote instruction and data-driven learning outcomes. By optimizing cloud-based platforms, Levon Hooks enables the company to support large-scale public school partnerships effectively. Hooks collaborates with internal teams to integrate new software tools that enhance user engagement and administrative efficiency. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive educational data while maintaining high system availability. This technical leadership ensures that Stride provides a reliable, high-performance environment for learners, directly supporting the mission to expand access to quality education through digital innovation and modern technological frameworks.

Hannah Deb, the Chief Marketing Officer at Stride, directs all brand strategy and market outreach initiatives. Overseeing the communication of the company's value proposition to public school districts and prospective students, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand effectively highlights the benefits of online and blended learning models. This role involves crafting targeted campaigns that promote career learning programs in fields like IT and healthcare. By analyzing consumer behavior and market demand, Hannah Deb optimizes outreach efforts to increase enrollment and strengthen the company's presence in the education sector. Deb collaborates with regional teams to tailor messaging for diverse demographics, ensuring consistent brand alignment across all platforms. Through strategic positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness of the company's unique educational offerings, ultimately expanding the reach of Stride and fostering deeper connections with families, adult learners, and institutional partners throughout the United States.

Valerie Maddy, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Stride, leads the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Overseeing the recruitment of educators and administrative staff, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company maintains a high-performing workforce capable of delivering quality online education. This role involves designing professional development programs that align with the company's focus on career learning and skills-based training. By fostering a culture of inclusion and operational excellence, Valerie Maddy supports the retention of top-tier talent across all departments. Maddy collaborates with leadership to implement performance management systems that drive accountability and innovation. Through the management of human capital, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that Stride possesses the internal expertise required to support its mission, ultimately strengthening the organization's ability to serve students and school districts effectively on a national scale.