Our Team

NACSA’s diverse staff of professionals has extensive experience with charter schools and the broader education sector. In addition to providing guidance and support to authorizers, we routinely advise policymakers, researchers, and education advocates on authorizer practices and related state policies. NACSA is headquartered in Chicago, with employees based throughout the country who lead state, regional, and national projects.

Arielle Diaz

Operations & Events Manager

Brian Graham

Chief Financial Officer

Christina Ricordati

Policy Development Consultant

Courtney Hughley

Vice President, Communications

David Greenberg

Vice President, Authorizer Learning & Development

Desiree Boardwine

Content Developer

Elisa Westapher

Chief Development & Business Officer

Gina Post

Director of Fundraising and Business Development

Guerschmide Saint-Ange

Chief Operating and Talent Officer

Heather Wendling

Vice President of Consulting Services

Jason Zwara

Director, Strategic Partnerships

Jay Whalen

Director, Authorizer and School Quality

Leonard Phillips

Finance Contractor

M. Karega Rausch

President & CEO

Melissa Izzo

Instructional Designer

Morgan Powell

Director of Learning and Development

Sean Conlan

Senior Director of Research and Evaluation

Veronica D. Brooks-Uy

Vice President, Policy & Institutional Change

Amanda Fenton

Federal Policy Consultant

Karen Girolami Callam

Communications Consultant