Uncommon Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Uncommon Schools has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, and academic oversight.

Committed to providing high-quality public education, Uncommon Schools delivers rigorous academic programs through a network of charter schools that prioritize student achievement and equitable access to learning opportunities across New York.

Leadership Roles at Uncommon Schools

  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Brett Peiser
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cherry Thompson
  • Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations - Alejandro Montoya
  • Associate Chief Operating Officer - Mary Miller
  • Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer - Thien-Chan Vu
  • Chief Information Officer - Heather Evans
  • Strategy Chief of Staff - Alison Washabaugh
  • 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 - Laura McGovern
  • Brett Peiser - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Brett Peiser, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Uncommon Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision and organizational growth of the charter network. Overseeing the expansion of academic programs, the Co-Chief Executive Officer ensures that all schools maintain high standards of instruction without entrance exams. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure government funding and maintain operational excellence across the New York region. By fostering a culture of academic rigor, Brett Peiser directly impacts the educational outcomes of thousands of students. Peiser manages the long-term sustainability of the network, ensuring that the mission remains focused on closing the achievement gap. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the Co-Chief Executive Officer drives the development of innovative curricula that prepare students for college success. Ultimately, Peiser secures the institutional stability required to support diverse learning environments throughout the entire organization.
    Brett Peiser

    Cherry Thompson - Chief Operating Officer

    Cherry Thompson, the Chief Operating Officer at Uncommon Schools, manages the daily administrative functions and logistical infrastructure supporting the charter network. Overseeing facility management and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every school site operates efficiently to support academic delivery. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to maximize the impact of government funding across the New York region. By optimizing operational workflows, Cherry Thompson directly supports the mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. Thompson coordinates with regional leadership to maintain safety standards and compliance across all campuses. Through the implementation of scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives organizational productivity and fiscal responsibility. Ultimately, Thompson ensures that the physical and administrative environment remains conducive to student learning, allowing educators to focus entirely on classroom instruction and academic growth within the broader network.

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

    Alejandro Montoya, the Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations at Uncommon Schools, manages the operational oversight of specific school clusters within the New York region. Overseeing the implementation of standardized operational procedures, the Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations ensures that each campus maintains a safe and productive learning environment. This leadership role involves supervising the performance of school-based operations teams to guarantee compliance with government funding requirements. By optimizing regional logistics, Alejandro Montoya directly supports the delivery of high-quality academic programs. Montoya coordinates with school leaders to address facility needs and resource distribution challenges. Through the rigorous monitoring of operational metrics, the Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations drives efficiency and consistency across the assigned region. Ultimately, Montoya ensures that the operational foundation of the schools remains strong, allowing for a primary focus on student learning and academic growth.

    Mary Miller - Associate Chief Operating Officer

    Mary Miller, the Associate Chief Operating Officer at Uncommon Schools, manages the internal scaling of operational systems to support the growing network of charter schools. Overseeing the development of standardized administrative protocols, the Associate Chief Operating Officer ensures that all campuses benefit from efficient resource management and support services. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to refine the operational model for new and existing schools across New York. By streamlining back-office functions, Mary Miller directly enhances the capacity of the organization to serve more students. Miller monitors the effectiveness of operational workflows and implements improvements to reduce administrative friction. Through the management of cross-campus operational projects, the Associate Chief Operating Officer drives the scalability of the network. Ultimately, Miller ensures that the operational infrastructure remains robust and capable of supporting the mission of providing high-quality public education to diverse student populations.

    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, directs the regional operational strategy and ensures the seamless functioning of school facilities. Overseeing the alignment of operational practices with academic goals, the Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer ensures that every school site operates at peak efficiency. This leadership role involves managing the complex logistics of regional school networks in New York to ensure compliance and safety. By optimizing the allocation of resources, Thien-Chan Vu directly supports the educational mission of the organization. Vu coordinates with regional leadership to implement best practices in facility management and administrative support. Through the oversight of operational performance, the Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer drives the consistency of the student experience across the region. Ultimately, Vu maintains the operational integrity required to sustain high-quality academic programs throughout the charter network.
    Thien-Chan Vu

    Heather Evans - Chief Information Officer

    Heather Evans, the Chief Information Officer at Uncommon Schools, architects the digital infrastructure and data management systems essential for modern educational delivery. Overseeing the integration of classroom technology and student information platforms, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data-driven insights inform academic decision-making across the New York network. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive information while providing teachers with the tools necessary for effective instruction. By modernizing the technological landscape, Heather Evans directly enhances the efficiency of administrative and academic operations. Evans collaborates with school leaders to implement software solutions that track student progress and facilitate communication. Through the deployment of robust network security, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation of the organization. Ultimately, Evans maintains the technological backbone that allows the charter network to scale its impact and provide consistent educational experiences for every student.

    Alison Washabaugh - Strategy Chief of Staff

    Alison Washabaugh, the Strategy Chief of Staff at Uncommon Schools, coordinates high-level planning and cross-departmental initiatives to advance the organizational mission. Overseeing the execution of long-term strategic goals, the Strategy Chief of Staff ensures that all departments align with the core objective of providing equitable public education. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex data to support executive decision-making regarding academic expansion and resource distribution. By facilitating communication between leadership tiers, Alison Washabaugh directly improves the agility of the charter network. Washabaugh manages the implementation of key performance indicators that track the success of educational programs across New York. Through the alignment of internal resources with strategic priorities, the Strategy Chief of Staff drives organizational focus and clarity. Ultimately, Washabaugh supports the executive team in navigating the evolving landscape of K-12 education, ensuring that the network remains responsive to the needs of students and families.

    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, manages the operational support for high school academic programs. Overseeing the implementation of secondary education initiatives, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Schools Officer, 9-12 ensures that curriculum standards meet the rigorous requirements for college readiness. This leadership role involves coordinating with school principals to refine instructional practices and student support services across the New York region. By streamlining the administrative burden on academic leaders, Brendan Campbell directly enables a focus on classroom excellence. Campbell facilitates the flow of information between the central office and high school campuses to ensure consistent policy application. Through the management of strategic projects, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Schools Officer, 9-12 drives the success of the 9-12 academic track. Ultimately, Campbell supports the development of high-achieving learning environments for older students.

    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, directs the operational and administrative support for elementary and middle school academic programs. Overseeing the foundational curriculum implementation, the Chief of Staff To Chief Schools Officer, K-8 ensures that early education standards foster long-term student success. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional school leaders to optimize instructional delivery and student engagement across the New York network. By managing the logistical requirements of K-8 campuses, Robert Sgobbo directly supports the mission of providing high-quality public education. Sgobbo facilitates the alignment of school-level activities with the broader organizational strategy. Through the oversight of key academic projects, the Chief of Staff To Chief Schools Officer, K-8 drives the effectiveness of the primary and middle school divisions. Ultimately, Sgobbo ensures that the foundational years of schooling remain rigorous, structured, and focused on student achievement.

    Laura McGovern - Strategy Chief of Staff

    Laura McGovern, the Strategy Chief of Staff at Uncommon Schools, manages the development and implementation of organizational policies that drive academic and operational growth. Overseeing the analysis of educational trends, the Strategy Chief of Staff ensures that the network adapts its strategies to meet the changing needs of the student population. This leadership role involves leading cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges related to school performance and resource management. By translating high-level goals into actionable plans, Laura McGovern directly contributes to the success of the charter network in New York. McGovern coordinates with executive leadership to refine the long-term vision and ensure consistent progress toward institutional objectives. Through the management of strategic initiatives, the Strategy Chief of Staff drives the continuous improvement of the organization. Ultimately, McGovern ensures that the network maintains its commitment to academic excellence and equitable access for all students.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Uncommon Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Uncommon Schools?
    Uncommon Schools is led by Brett Peiser (Co-Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cherry Thompson (Chief Operating Officer) and Alejandro Montoya (Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations).
    Who is part of Uncommon Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Uncommon Schools includes leaders such as Brett Peiser (Co-Chief Executive Officer), Cherry Thompson (Chief Operating Officer), Alejandro Montoya (Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations) 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 Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Regional Associate Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent of Operations, Associate Chief Operating Officer, Regional Superintendent of Operations Associate & Chief Operating Officer.