Stride Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stride has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to educational innovation, Stride provides comprehensive K12 online and blended learning programs, alongside career and adult education pathways, shaping the future of learning across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Stride

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Gregory Gerla
  • Chief Financial Officer - Donna Blackman
  • Chief Information Officer - Levon Hooks
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Valerie Maddy
  • Gregory Gerla - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Gregory Gerla, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Stride, architects the overarching strategy and vision for the education company. Gerla directs the expansion of Stride's K12 online and blended schooling programs, ensuring alignment with public school districts and charter school partnerships. Overseeing the development of career learning and adult education initiatives, Gregory Gerla prepares learners for indemand fields such as IT, healthcare, and business. This leadership role involves guiding the company's curriculum and technology platform advancements, solidifying Stride's market position in educational services. Gerla's strategic direction ensures the continuous evolution of educational delivery models to meet diverse learner needs across the United States.

    Donna Blackman - Chief Financial Officer

    Donna Blackman, the Chief Financial Officer at Stride, manages the company's financial strategy and operations. Blackman oversees all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the economic health of Stride's diverse educational offerings. This critical role involves managing financial resources for K12 schooling programs, career learning, and adult education initiatives. Donna Blackman guides investment decisions to support technological advancements and program expansion across the United States. By maintaining strong financial controls and driving fiscal responsibility, Blackman ensures Stride's capacity to deliver high-quality education and achieve its strategic growth objectives.

    Levon Hooks - Chief Information Officer

    Levon Hooks, the Chief Information Officer at Stride, directs the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation efforts. Hooks oversees the development and maintenance of robust curriculum and technology platforms essential for Stride's K12 online and blended schooling programs. This leadership position involves ensuring the security, scalability, and efficiency of all IT operations supporting both academic and career learning services. Levon Hooks drives innovation in educational technology, enhancing the learning experience for students and adult learners. By managing the company's information systems, Hooks ensures seamless delivery of educational content and support across the United States, directly impacting operational effectiveness and student outcomes.
    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, leads all human capital strategies and organizational development. Maddy oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and workforce planning to support Stride's mission of providing innovative education solutions. This executive position involves cultivating a strong organizational culture that fosters growth and development for employees across the company's K12, career learning, and adult education programs. Valerie Maddy ensures that Stride attracts and retains top talent, essential for delivering exceptional educational services throughout the United States. By championing employee well-being and professional advancement, Maddy directly contributes to the company's operational success and long-term sustainability.
    Valerie Maddy

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stride Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stride?
    Stride is led by Gregory Gerla (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Donna Blackman (Chief Financial Officer) and Levon Hooks (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Stride’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stride includes leaders such as Gregory Gerla (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Donna Blackman (Chief Financial Officer), Levon Hooks (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stride have?
    Stride has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stride’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stride includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.