Executive Leadership Team

Background:
Christopher Burkhardt has 29 years of professional experience with 26 years of academic leadership. Chris graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree and has a certification as a School Nutrition Specialist. He most recently served in Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Facilities; Transportation; Purchasing; Student Dining

Email: burkhac@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Shakeatha Butler has 18 years of professional experience with 10 of those years in academic leadership positions. Shakeatha held key roles including teacher, State School Improvement Specialist, Elementary Science Director, Director of Instructional Planning and Program Implementation, Executive Director of Instructional Redesign and New School Launch. She received her Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration from University of North Florida and her Master’s in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She expects to receive a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University in May 2024. She currently holds a certification as an Administrative Specialist in Ohio.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Content Areas; Instructional Equity; Special Education; & 504 Services

Email: butlesh@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Jeremy Gollihue has 23 years of experience in IT with 13 of those focused in education and three as Chief Information Officer at CPS. Jeremy graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s in Telecommunications Computer Networking and has a certification in CCNA.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
IT; Assessment; Research & Evaluation; & Student Information Systems

Email: gollihj@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Daniel Hoying graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelors in History. Dan later received his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago and is licensed to practice law in Ohio. He has been a practicing attorney since 2005 and has been employed by CPS since 2011.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Legal Counsel; Worker’s Compensation; Safety/Environmental Services; & Kids In School Rule!

Email: hoyingd@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Derek Little has 15 years of educational leadership experience. He graduated from Tulane University and received his Master’s of Education from The Broad Center in Urban Education and a Doctorate from Southern Methodist University. Derek held roles throughout his career as a teacher, CFO/COO, Deputy Director of Early Childhood, Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning and Deputy Chief Academic Officer.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Strategic Planning & Quality Improvement; Safety & Security; Enrollment; Athletics; Institutional Advancement & Partnerships; Family & Community Engagement; Positive School Culture; Homelessness; & Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Email: littled@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Frankie Pollock has over 21 years of experience in education with 14 years in school leadership positions. Frankie graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor’s in Music Education. He later received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Frankie earned an Education Specialist degree from Walden University and is currently on track to earn his Doctorate in Education.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
High Schools; Co-led: College and Career Readiness; & ROTC

Email: pollocf@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Katrina Riley graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s in English and later received her Masters of Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Katrina has 21 years of professional educational experience with notable roles as teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and District-level administrator.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Talent; HR; Professional Development; Evaluation; Recruitment & Retention; & Employee Relations

Email: rilekat@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Mark Sherwood graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts. Mark has 28 years of professional experience with ten years focused on K12 education. He has earned a certification in Executive Leadership from Florida State College at Jacksonville and is a LEED Accredited Professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. He held key roles throughout his career as Deputy Executive Director, Marketing; Assistant Superintendent, Communications and Marketing; Executive Vice President, Marketing; Director of Marketing, Marketing Coordinator and Product Manager & Designer.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Communications & Marketing

Email: sherwom@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Dr. Alesia Smith graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and later received her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Xavier University. Alesia received her Doctorate in Education from Capella University. She held key roles throughout her career as a Cincinnati Public Schools teacher, assistant principal, and principal and most recently as Deputy Superintendent of Learning Services for Pulaski County Special School District.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Schools; Organizational Accountability; Alternative Programming; Charter Liaison; & School Program Development

Email: smitali@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Background:
Jennifer Wagner reports directly to the CPS Board of Education, but also is member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team. Jen has over 37 years of professional experience and has served 30 years in various academic leadership roles including Interim CFO, CIO, Director of Student Information Systems, Director of Total Quality Management, and Interim Business Executive and Assistant Treasurer/Controller. Jen is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed Ohio School Treasurer and graduated from Virginia Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Areas of Key Oversight and Support:
Finance, Accounting, Budgeting

Email: wagnerj@cpsboe.k12.oh.us