Tucson Unified School District Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tucson Unified School District has 4 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, financial management, fiscal services, and operational logistics.

Committed to academic excellence, Tucson Unified School District provides comprehensive K-12 education while fostering an environment where students thrive through innovative learning programs and dedicated community support.

Leadership Roles at Tucson Unified School District

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ricardo Hernandez
  • Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services - Ricky Hernandez
  • Chief Technology Officer - Rabih Hamadeh
  • Interim Chief Operations Officer - Juvenal Lopez
  • Ricardo Hernandez - Chief Financial Officer

    Ricardo Hernandez, the Chief Financial Officer at Tucson Unified School District, manages the overarching fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire organization. Overseeing the allocation of state and federal funding, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach classrooms efficiently to support student achievement. Ricardo Hernandez directs the long-term financial strategy, balancing operational costs with the need for high-quality educational programming. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the Board to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility across all departments. By optimizing procurement processes and monitoring expenditure trends, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability of the district. Hernandez evaluates economic impacts on regional operations, adjusting budgetary frameworks to accommodate shifting enrollment numbers. Through rigorous oversight of financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees compliance with state regulations, ensuring that every dollar contributes directly to the mission of providing comprehensive K-12 education.

    Ricky Hernandez - Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services

    Ricky Hernandez, the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services at Tucson Unified School District, executes the daily accounting operations and payroll functions essential for district functionality. Overseeing the specialized financial services department, the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services manages the precise distribution of salaries and benefits to thousands of employees. Ricky Hernandez directs the internal auditing processes, ensuring that all financial transactions adhere to strict regulatory standards. This leadership role involves managing the complex tax and retirement contributions that support the workforce. By streamlining the accounts payable and receivable workflows, the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services improves the speed and accuracy of fiscal operations. Hernandez coordinates with external auditors to verify the integrity of financial records, providing the necessary data for informed decision-making. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services maintains the operational liquidity required to sustain the daily activities of the entire school system.

    Rabih Hamadeh - Chief Technology Officer

    Rabih Hamadeh, the Chief Technology Officer at Tucson Unified School District, directs the digital transformation of classroom environments across the entire district. Overseeing the integration of advanced educational software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for modern learning. Rabih Hamadeh manages the secure maintenance of district-wide data networks, protecting sensitive information while facilitating seamless communication between schools. By architecting scalable cloud infrastructure, the Chief Technology Officer supports the expansion of remote learning capabilities throughout the region. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with academic departments to align technical resources with curriculum goals. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Technology Officer safeguards the digital integrity of the institution. Ultimately, Hamadeh drives the technological advancement required to maintain a competitive and effective educational landscape for all students within the district.
    Rabih Hamadeh

    Juvenal Lopez - Interim Chief Operations Officer

    Juvenal Lopez, the Interim Chief Operations Officer at Tucson Unified School District, directs the physical maintenance and logistical support systems across all elementary, middle, and high schools. Overseeing the facilities management and transportation departments, the Interim Chief Operations Officer ensures that school environments remain safe, clean, and conducive to learning. Juvenal Lopez manages the complex supply chain for food services and custodial supplies, maintaining consistent quality across the district. This leadership role involves coordinating large-scale infrastructure projects and renovations to modernize aging school buildings. By optimizing bus routes and fleet maintenance, the Interim Chief Operations Officer guarantees reliable transportation for students throughout the region. Lopez collaborates with safety teams to implement emergency protocols, protecting the physical well-being of the entire campus community. Through strategic planning of operational resources, the Interim Chief Operations Officer supports the daily functionality of the district, ensuring that all facilities meet the rigorous demands of modern education.

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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 Ricky Hernandez (Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services) 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), Ricky Hernandez (Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services), Rabih Hamadeh (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tucson Unified School District have?
    Tucson Unified School District has 4 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, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services, Chief Technology Officer, Interim Chief Operations Officer.