Union Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Union Public Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including finance, communications, and governance.

Driven by a commitment to educational excellence, Union Public Schools serves over 16,000 students across 19 sites, fostering a comprehensive learning environment from early childhood through high school.

Leadership Roles at Union Public Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - Patricia Williams
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, (Incoming & Chief Financial Officer - Jeff Landes
  • President - Gordon Polly
  • Chief Communications Officer - Christopher Payne
  • Patricia Williams - Chief Financial Officer

    Patricia Williams, the Chief Financial Officer at Union Public Schools, directs the district's comprehensive financial strategy and operations. Overseeing all fiscal activities, Williams ensures robust budget management, accurate financial reporting, and the efficient allocation of resources across 19 school sites serving 16,000 students. This leadership role involves developing long-term financial plans that support the district's educational mission and growth objectives in southeast Tulsa and northwest Broken Arrow. By maintaining strong financial controls and exploring innovative funding opportunities, Patricia Williams directly impacts the district's capacity to provide high-quality education and essential services. Williams also collaborates with other district leaders to align financial resources with programmatic needs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability for Union Public Schools.
    Patricia Williams

    Jeff Landes - Deputy Chief Financial Officer, (Incoming & Chief Financial Officer

    Jeff Landes, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, (Incoming & Chief Financial Officer at Union Public Schools, supports the strategic financial direction and operational execution of the district. Landes assists in managing the complex financial landscape for 16,000 students across 19 school sites, focusing on budget integrity and resource optimization. This role involves detailed analysis of financial data to inform decision-making and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. By working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Landes contributes to the development and implementation of sound fiscal policies that underpin the district's educational goals. The operational scope includes supporting financial planning for elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as specialized programs. Landes's contributions are vital to maintaining the financial health and operational efficiency of Union Public Schools.

    Gordon Polly - President

    Gordon Polly, the President at Union Public Schools, provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for the district's operations. Polly guides the overall vision and direction, ensuring alignment with the educational mission and community expectations for 16,000 students across 19 school sites. This executive role involves collaborating with the board, administrators, and staff to foster an environment of academic excellence and continuous improvement. By championing initiatives that enhance student learning and well-being, Gordon Polly plays a crucial part in the district's success. The President's responsibilities extend to representing Union Public Schools in broader community forums and advocating for the needs of students and educators. Polly's leadership ensures the district remains a premier educational institution in Oklahoma.

    Christopher Payne - Chief Communications Officer

    Christopher Payne, the Chief Communications Officer at Union Public Schools, architects and executes the district's comprehensive communication strategies. Payne directs all internal and external messaging, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely information dissemination to stakeholders, including 16,000 students, parents, staff, and the wider community in southeast Tulsa and northwest Broken Arrow. This leadership position involves managing public relations, media relations, digital communications, and crisis communications to uphold the district's reputation and advance its mission. By fostering strong relationships with media outlets and community partners, Christopher Payne enhances public understanding and support for Union Public Schools' educational initiatives. Payne also oversees the development of communication materials and campaigns that highlight student achievements, program successes, and district priorities across all 19 school sites.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Union Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Union Public Schools?
    Union Public Schools is led by Patricia Williams (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jeff Landes (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, (Incoming & Chief Financial Officer) and Gordon Polly (President).
    Who is part of Union Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Union Public Schools includes leaders such as Patricia Williams (Chief Financial Officer), Jeff Landes (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, (Incoming & Chief Financial Officer), Gordon Polly (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Union Public Schools have?
    Union Public Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Union Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Union Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, (Incoming & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Communications Officer.