Uncommon Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Uncommon Schools has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, operational management, strategic planning, and regional educational oversight.

Committed to providing high-quality public education, Uncommon Schools delivers rigorous academic programs through a network of tuition-free charter schools that prioritize student achievement and college readiness across diverse communities.

Leadership Roles at Uncommon Schools

  • Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer - Daniel Gennaoui
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cherry Thompson
  • Associate Chief Operating Officer - Mary Miller
  • Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations - Alejandro Montoya
  • Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer - Thien-Chan Vu
  • Chief Information Officer - Heather Evans
  • Strategy Chief of Staff - Laura McGovern
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Schools Officer, 9-12 - Brendan Campbell
  • Chief of Staff To Chief Schools Officer, K-8 - Robert Sgobbo
  • Strategy Chief of Staff - Alison Washabaugh
  • Daniel Gennaoui - Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Daniel Gennaoui, the Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Uncommon Schools, manages the executive office and facilitates high-level decision-making processes. Gennaoui coordinates communication between the Co-Chief Executive Officer and various internal stakeholders to ensure organizational cohesion. By overseeing the preparation of strategic briefings and board materials, the Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer supports the leadership team in navigating complex educational challenges. This role involves managing sensitive projects and ensuring that executive priorities receive appropriate attention across the network. Daniel Gennaoui monitors the progress of key initiatives, providing the Co-Chief Executive Officer with critical updates on operational performance. The Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency by streamlining administrative workflows and optimizing the use of executive time. Through proactive problem-solving, Gennaoui maintains the focus of the leadership team on long-term academic goals and organizational growth.

    Cherry Thompson - Chief Operating Officer

    Cherry Thompson, the Chief Operating Officer at Uncommon Schools, manages the logistical framework and facility operations necessary for daily school functions. Thompson oversees the allocation of resources and the maintenance of physical infrastructure to ensure safe, productive learning environments. By coordinating with regional leadership, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines procurement processes and vendor management to maximize budget efficiency. This role involves implementing standardized operational procedures that allow educators to focus exclusively on student outcomes. Cherry Thompson monitors key performance indicators related to school safety and facility utilization. The Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives that improve the quality of school environments, directly impacting the student experience. Through rigorous oversight of operational workflows, Thompson ensures that every campus remains fully equipped to meet academic demands. The Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of excellence in administrative support, fostering a stable foundation for the entire educational network.

    Mary Miller - Associate Chief Operating Officer

    Mary Miller, the Associate Chief Operating Officer at Uncommon Schools, manages internal scaling and administrative efficiency across the network. Miller oversees the implementation of standardized operational systems that support school growth and resource management. By collaborating with regional teams, the Associate Chief Operating Officer ensures that facilities and support services meet the needs of students and staff. This role involves optimizing internal processes to reduce administrative burdens on educators. Mary Miller monitors operational performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvements. The Associate Chief Operating Officer drives the execution of infrastructure projects that enhance the learning environment. Through the coordination of cross-departmental efforts, Miller ensures that operational resources align with the academic mission. The Associate Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on scalability, allowing the network to expand its reach while preserving the quality of educational services provided to students.

    Alejandro Montoya - Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations

    Alejandro Montoya, the Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations at Uncommon Schools, directs supply chain logistics and regional facility management. Montoya oversees the procurement of educational materials and the maintenance of school buildings to ensure optimal learning conditions. By managing regional operational budgets, the Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations ensures that resources reach classrooms efficiently. This role involves coordinating with local vendors and service providers to maintain high standards of facility safety and functionality. Alejandro Montoya monitors the performance of operational teams to ensure compliance with organizational policies. The Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations drives initiatives that streamline logistics, allowing school leaders to focus on academic instruction. Through strategic oversight of regional operations, Montoya supports the expansion of the network, ensuring that every campus possesses the necessary physical and material support to achieve academic success.

    Thien-Chan Vu - Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer

    Thien-Chan Vu, the Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer at Uncommon Schools, manages regional operational oversight and administrative leadership. Vu coordinates the implementation of operational policies across multiple campuses to ensure consistency and efficiency. By overseeing regional facility management and resource distribution, the Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer supports the daily needs of students and faculty. This role involves analyzing operational data to improve service delivery and budget management. Thien-Chan Vu drives initiatives that enhance school safety and infrastructure quality. The Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with school leaders to address logistical challenges and optimize campus operations. Through the effective management of regional resources, Vu ensures that every school remains focused on academic goals. The Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of operational excellence, supporting the overall mission of the network.
    Thien-Chan Vu

    Heather Evans - Chief Information Officer

    Heather Evans, the Chief Information Officer at Uncommon Schools, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative functions. Evans manages the integration of educational technology platforms to enhance classroom learning and data-driven instruction. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols and network reliability, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure access to critical student information systems. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional teams to standardize hardware and software deployments across all campuses. Heather Evans optimizes technical resources to support the mission of providing equitable educational opportunities. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives efficiency in school operations. Evans maintains alignment between technological investments and the long-term academic goals of the organization. By modernizing digital tools, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless communication between faculty, students, and families, ultimately strengthening the overall educational environment within the network.
    Heather Evans

    Laura McGovern - Strategy Chief of Staff

    Laura McGovern, the Strategy Chief of Staff at Uncommon Schools, architects long-term planning initiatives and organizational alignment. McGovern facilitates communication between executive leadership and regional teams to ensure consistent execution of the core mission. By analyzing academic performance data and operational metrics, the Strategy Chief of Staff identifies opportunities for growth and improvement. This role involves managing high-priority projects that advance the strategic vision of the organization. Laura McGovern coordinates cross-functional efforts to refine educational programs and expand the reach of the network. The Strategy Chief of Staff supports the development of policies that enhance student achievement and college readiness. Through the synthesis of complex information, McGovern provides actionable insights to the leadership team. The Strategy Chief of Staff drives organizational agility by aligning resources with strategic priorities. By fostering collaboration across departments, McGovern ensures that every initiative contributes to the overarching goal of academic excellence.

    Brendan Campbell - Chief of Staff To the Chief Schools Officer, 9-12

    Brendan Campbell, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Schools Officer, 9-12 at Uncommon Schools, directs the operational support for high school programs. Campbell coordinates with school leaders to implement curriculum standards and college preparation strategies for students in grades 9 through 12. By managing the flow of information between the Chief Schools Officer and campus administrators, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Schools Officer, 9-12 ensures consistent application of educational policies. This role involves analyzing student performance data to identify areas for instructional improvement. Brendan Campbell facilitates professional development initiatives that empower teachers to deliver high-quality instruction. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Schools Officer, 9-12 drives the execution of strategic goals aimed at increasing graduation rates and college acceptance. Through meticulous project management, Campbell supports the Chief Schools Officer in maintaining academic rigor across all high school campuses within the network.

    Robert Sgobbo - Chief of Staff To Chief Schools Officer, K-8

    Robert Sgobbo, the Chief of Staff To Chief Schools Officer, K-8 at Uncommon Schools, oversees the operational and strategic support for elementary and middle school programs. Sgobbo coordinates with regional leaders to ensure the effective implementation of foundational literacy and numeracy curricula. By managing communication channels between the Chief Schools Officer and school-level staff, the Chief of Staff To Chief Schools Officer, K-8 facilitates the alignment of instructional practices with organizational standards. This role involves tracking student progress metrics to inform pedagogical adjustments. Robert Sgobbo supports the development of programs that foster early academic success and prepare students for high school transitions. The Chief of Staff To Chief Schools Officer, K-8 drives initiatives that enhance classroom culture and teacher effectiveness. Through rigorous project oversight, Sgobbo assists the Chief Schools Officer in maintaining high academic expectations across all K-8 campuses, ensuring a strong educational foundation for every student.

    Alison Washabaugh - Strategy Chief of Staff

    Alison Washabaugh, the Strategy Chief of Staff at Uncommon Schools, architects organizational development and strategic alignment initiatives. Washabaugh facilitates the execution of long-term goals by coordinating efforts across various departments and regional offices. By analyzing institutional data, the Strategy Chief of Staff identifies trends that inform future planning and resource allocation. This role involves managing complex projects that enhance the overall effectiveness of the educational network. Alison Washabaugh supports the leadership team in refining policies that promote student achievement and operational excellence. The Strategy Chief of Staff drives collaboration between academic and administrative functions to ensure a unified approach to school improvement. Through the synthesis of strategic priorities, Washabaugh provides the guidance necessary to navigate the evolving educational landscape. The Strategy Chief of Staff maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the mission of providing high-quality public education.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Uncommon Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Uncommon Schools?
    Uncommon Schools is led by Daniel Gennaoui (Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cherry Thompson (Chief Operating Officer) and Mary Miller (Associate Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Uncommon Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Uncommon Schools includes leaders such as Daniel Gennaoui (Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer), Cherry Thompson (Chief Operating Officer), Mary Miller (Associate Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Uncommon Schools have?
    Uncommon Schools has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Uncommon Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Uncommon Schools includes roles such as Chief of Staff To the Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Associate Chief Operating Officer, Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations, Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer.