Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including human resources, financial management, communications, and operational oversight.

Committed to academic excellence, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools fosters a supportive learning environment across elementary, middle, high, and magnet schools to ensure student success throughout North Carolina.

Leadership Roles at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Kimberly Forbes
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Freida Lashmit
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Christopher Weikart
  • Chief Communications Officer - Amanda Killian
  • Chief Operations Officer - Lauren Richards
  • Kimberly Forbes - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Kimberly Forbes, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire district. Focusing on capital allocation, the Interim Chief Financial Officer oversees the distribution of funds to support infrastructure improvements and classroom resources across all school levels. This leadership role requires constant coordination with state agencies to ensure compliance with North Carolina educational funding mandates. By monitoring expenditures and revenue streams, Kimberly Forbes maintains the financial integrity of the organization. Forbes also provides critical data to the Board to facilitate informed decision-making regarding long-term investments. Through the rigorous oversight of district accounts, the Interim Chief Financial Officer stabilizes the economic foundation of the school system. This strategic management ensures that resources reach the students effectively, supporting the overarching mission of providing quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency in all financial operations.

    Freida Lashmit - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Freida Lashmit, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, directs the internal auditing and grant management functions to ensure fiscal accountability. While the finance department manages general budgets, the Interim Chief Financial Officer focuses specifically on optimizing federal and state grant utilization to fund specialized programs in magnet and high schools. This leadership role involves analyzing cost-efficiency across district departments to identify areas for potential savings. By streamlining procurement processes, Freida Lashmit enhances the purchasing power of the school system. Lashmit also works closely with external auditors to verify compliance with regulatory standards. Through the meticulous tracking of restricted funds, the Interim Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of academic initiatives without compromising the district's overall financial health. This targeted approach to fiscal management ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the educational outcomes of students within the Winston-Salem community and beyond.

    Christopher Weikart - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christopher Weikart, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, directs all talent acquisition and personnel management strategies. Overseeing the recruitment of educators and support staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the district maintains high-quality staffing levels across all elementary, middle, high, and magnet schools. This leadership role involves managing labor relations, professional development programs, and employee benefits to foster a productive work environment. By implementing rigorous hiring standards, Christopher Weikart directly impacts the instructional quality provided to students. Weikart also collaborates with the Board to align human capital initiatives with the broader educational mission of the district. Through the optimization of personnel policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the long-term stability of the workforce, ensuring that every classroom receives the necessary support to drive student achievement and operational excellence within the North Carolina educational landscape.
    Christopher Weikart

    Amanda Killian - Chief Communications Officer

    Amanda Killian, the Chief Communications Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, manages all internal and external messaging strategies for the district. Overseeing public relations, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that parents, staff, and the community receive timely information regarding school policies and academic achievements. This leadership role involves coordinating crisis communications and promoting the district's brand identity across various media platforms. By fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders, Amanda Killian builds trust and transparency within the educational ecosystem. Killian also collaborates with school administrators to highlight the success stories of students and faculty. Through the development of comprehensive communication plans, the Chief Communications Officer drives engagement and support for district initiatives. This strategic focus on messaging ensures that the community remains informed and connected to the mission of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, ultimately strengthening the partnership between the district and the families served throughout the region.

    Lauren Richards - Chief Operations Officer

    Lauren Richards, the Chief Operations Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, directs the logistical and facility management functions of the district. Overseeing transportation, maintenance, and school safety protocols, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the physical environment remains conducive to learning for all students. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects, including facility renovations and the optimization of bus routes across the district. By implementing efficient operational workflows, Lauren Richards reduces overhead costs and improves service delivery. Richards also coordinates with local emergency services to maintain high safety standards in every school building. Through the strategic oversight of daily operations, the Chief Operations Officer supports the academic mission by providing a safe, reliable, and well-maintained infrastructure. This commitment to operational excellence allows educators to focus entirely on instruction, ensuring that the district functions smoothly while meeting the diverse needs of the student population in North Carolina.
    Lauren Richards

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools?
    Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is led by Kimberly Forbes (Interim Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Freida Lashmit (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and Christopher Weikart (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools includes leaders such as Kimberly Forbes (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Freida Lashmit (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Christopher Weikart (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools have?
    Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools includes roles such as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Communications Officer, Chief Operations Officer.