Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to academic excellence, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools fosters student success through a diverse network of elementary, middle, high, and magnet schools across the North Carolina region.

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 integrity of the district. Forbes directs the allocation of budgetary resources across elementary and secondary institutions to ensure classroom needs receive priority funding. By monitoring state and local revenue streams, the Interim Chief Financial Officer maintains long-term solvency for the entire educational system. Kimberly Forbes collaborates with the Board of Education to present transparent financial reports that reflect the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility. This leadership role involves auditing internal expenditures to maximize efficiency within the North Carolina school network. Through rigorous oversight of capital projects and operational spending, Forbes secures the necessary funding to support diverse academic programs. The Interim Chief Financial Officer provides the financial foundation required for student achievement, ensuring that every dollar spent directly benefits the learning environment within the district.

    Freida Lashmit - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Freida Lashmit, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, oversees the strategic procurement and supply chain logistics for the district. Lashmit manages the complex vendor relationships required to maintain facilities and instructional materials across all magnet and traditional schools. By optimizing procurement processes, the Interim Chief Financial Officer reduces overhead costs and improves resource distribution throughout the North Carolina region. Freida Lashmit coordinates with department heads to align purchasing activities with the broader educational mission of the district. This leadership role involves implementing cost-saving measures that allow for increased investment in classroom technology and student support services. Through careful analysis of market trends and contract negotiations, Lashmit ensures that the district receives maximum value for every expenditure. The Interim Chief Financial Officer maintains strict compliance with state procurement regulations, providing the administrative stability necessary for the district to function effectively and support student growth.

    Christopher Weikart - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christopher Weikart, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, directs the recruitment and retention of high-quality educators across the district. Weikart manages the professional development programs that empower teachers to excel in elementary, middle, and high school settings. By overseeing talent acquisition strategies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that every classroom benefits from skilled and dedicated staff members. Christopher Weikart facilitates labor relations and policy implementation to maintain a positive work environment throughout the North Carolina school system. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and performance evaluation frameworks that support the professional growth of all employees. Through the strategic management of human capital, Weikart aligns staffing levels with the evolving needs of the student population. The Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of excellence, ensuring that the district attracts and retains the talent necessary to drive academic success and institutional stability.
    Christopher Weikart

    Amanda Killian - Chief Communications Officer

    Amanda Killian, the Chief Communications Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, manages the public image and community engagement strategies for the district. Killian directs all internal and external messaging to ensure transparency and trust between the school system and the North Carolina community. By overseeing media relations and digital outreach, the Chief Communications Officer keeps parents, students, and stakeholders informed about district initiatives and academic milestones. Amanda Killian coordinates crisis communication plans to maintain safety and stability during challenging periods. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the achievements of magnet and traditional schools, thereby strengthening community support for educational programs. Through the strategic use of social media and public forums, Killian amplifies the district's mission and values. The Chief Communications Officer ensures that all communications remain consistent, accurate, and accessible, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the overall success of the district and its students.

    Lauren Richards - Chief Operations Officer

    Lauren Richards, the Chief Operations Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, directs the maintenance and safety of all physical facilities across the district. Richards oversees the transportation, nutrition, and custodial services that support the daily operations of elementary, middle, and high schools. By managing the infrastructure needs of the district, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that every learning environment remains safe, clean, and conducive to academic achievement. Lauren Richards coordinates with local authorities to implement security protocols that protect students and staff throughout the North Carolina region. This leadership role involves planning long-term facility upgrades and energy efficiency projects to reduce operational costs. Through the effective management of support services, Richards allows educators to focus entirely on instruction. The Chief Operations Officer maintains the logistical backbone of the district, ensuring that all operational systems function seamlessly to provide a high-quality educational experience for every student within the school system.
    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.