Tucson Unified School District Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tucson Unified School District has 5 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, financial management, operational logistics, facility maintenance, and climate advocacy.

Committed to academic excellence, Tucson Unified School District fosters student success through comprehensive K-12 education while maintaining a robust, sustainable learning environment for the entire community.

Leadership Roles at Tucson Unified School District

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ricardo Hernandez
  • Climate Action Union President - Carmen De Backer
  • Chief Technology Officer - Rabih Hamadeh
  • Chief Operations Officer - Candy Egbert
  • Interim Chief Operations Officer - Juvenal Lopez
  • Ricardo Hernandez - Chief Financial Officer

    Ricardo Hernandez, the Chief Financial Officer at Tucson Unified School District, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the entire educational organization. Overseeing long-term financial planning and resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with state funding mandates and district goals. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of payroll, procurement, and capital improvement projects. By optimizing the allocation of taxpayer funds, Ricardo Hernandez directly impacts the availability of classroom materials and extracurricular programs. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the Board to maintain transparency in all financial reporting. Through careful analysis of economic trends, Hernandez secures the financial stability required for sustained growth. This commitment to fiscal responsibility supports the district's ability to provide comprehensive K-12 education, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the academic development and well-being of students across the entire district.

    Carmen De Backer - Climate Action Union President

    Carmen De Backer, the Climate Action Union President at Tucson Unified School District, directs initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and green energy adoption within the district. Overseeing the implementation of eco-friendly policies, the Climate Action Union President ensures that school operations align with broader climate goals. This leadership role involves advocating for renewable energy projects and waste reduction programs across all campuses. By optimizing the district's carbon footprint, Carmen De Backer directly impacts the long-term environmental health of the community. The Climate Action Union President collaborates with administrative leaders to integrate sustainability education into the curriculum. Through strategic partnerships with local environmental organizations, De Backer secures resources for green initiatives. This commitment to climate action supports the district's mission by fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, ensuring that students learn in facilities that prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management for future generations.

    Rabih Hamadeh - Chief Technology Officer

    Rabih Hamadeh, the Chief Technology Officer at Tucson Unified School District, directs the digital transformation of classroom learning environments. Overseeing district-wide network security and hardware deployment, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration of educational software across all elementary, middle, and high schools. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud infrastructure to support modern pedagogical requirements. By optimizing data management systems, Rabih Hamadeh directly impacts the efficiency of administrative workflows and student information tracking. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with academic leaders to implement innovative digital tools that enhance student engagement. Through strategic investment in cybersecurity, Hamadeh secures sensitive district data against emerging threats. This focus on technological advancement supports the broader mission of providing high-quality education to students throughout the region, ensuring that every classroom remains equipped with the necessary digital resources for academic success.

    Candy Egbert - Chief Operations Officer

    Candy Egbert, the Chief Operations Officer at Tucson Unified School District, directs the daily logistical functions and facility management across all school campuses. Overseeing transportation services, food nutrition programs, and building maintenance, the Chief Operations Officer ensures a safe and functional environment for students and staff. This leadership role involves coordinating large-scale infrastructure projects to modernize aging facilities. By optimizing supply chain logistics for school supplies and cafeteria inventory, Candy Egbert directly impacts the operational efficiency of the district. The Chief Operations Officer collaborates with site administrators to address immediate facility needs and long-term safety protocols. Through proactive management of physical assets, Egbert maintains the integrity of the learning environment. This focus on operational excellence supports the district's mission by providing the essential physical foundation required for effective teaching and learning throughout the entire educational system.

    Juvenal Lopez - Interim Chief Operations Officer

    Juvenal Lopez, the Interim Chief Operations Officer at Tucson Unified School District, manages the immediate execution of facility safety standards and emergency response protocols. Overseeing the maintenance of grounds and custodial services, the Interim Chief Operations Officer ensures that all school environments meet rigorous health and safety requirements. This leadership role involves streamlining vendor contracts and service agreements to reduce overhead costs. By optimizing the deployment of maintenance crews, Juvenal Lopez directly impacts the cleanliness and functionality of classrooms. The Interim Chief Operations Officer works closely with district leadership to implement sustainable practices in building energy usage. Through careful monitoring of facility performance metrics, Lopez identifies areas for improvement in daily operations. This dedication to operational continuity supports the district's goal of providing a stable, secure, and welcoming atmosphere for students and faculty members across all grade levels.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tucson Unified School District Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tucson Unified School District?
    Tucson Unified School District is led by Ricardo Hernandez (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Carmen De Backer (Climate Action Union President) and Rabih Hamadeh (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Tucson Unified School District’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tucson Unified School District includes leaders such as Ricardo Hernandez (Chief Financial Officer), Carmen De Backer (Climate Action Union President), Rabih Hamadeh (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tucson Unified School District have?
    Tucson Unified School District has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tucson Unified School District’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tucson Unified School District includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Climate Action Union President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Interim Chief Operations Officer.