CEO of OAPCS to Join National Charter Schools Institute

March 22, 2016

The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS) announces that Dr. Darlene Chambers will be transitioning from the President and CEO position in April, 2016. Dr. Chambers will be joining the National Charter Schools Institute (NCSI), which is headquartered in Michigan and works across the country to inspire and democratize excellence in education. She will be a member of the Institute’s executive leadership team and will initially focus on supporting the Institute’s work with schools, boards, authorizers, and support organizations.

Chad Readler, Chairman of the OAPCS Board, stated, “We thank Dr. Chambers for her leadership and service and for her vision to expand the scope and breadth of the organization’s work on behalf of its members and of the charter school community.”

“Through her efforts, OAPCS has strategically built key state and federal partnerships and expanded its advocacy, membership base, and programming,” Readler added. “Her collaborative spirit, passion for education, and articulate voice on behalf of the movement has greatly benefited all who believe in quality options for students and families.”

Dr. Jim Goenner, President and CEO of the Institute, said he is excited to have Dr. Chambers join the team. “Darlene is a passionate leader and has a big heart for people. Her experience, expertise, and caring approach will greatly expand our ability to inspire, influence, and support policies and practices that win for kids.”

Dr. Chambers assumed the CEO position at OAPCS in July, 2014. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work in the Ohio education sector for the past 20 years and in the charter school space for the last 10,” Dr. Chambers said.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to return to my roots working with schools, school leaders, and school stakeholders,” she added. “I am fortunate to be able to continue collaborating with the best of the best in Ohio and throughout the U.S. to improve the future of education. My alignment is strong with NCSI, which aspires to transform education by inspiring hearts and minds through its technology and consulting partnerships. I know that I am leaving OAPCS in the hands of a great self-directed work team who share a passion for the mission of school choice,” she said.

The OAPCS Board and leadership team plan to have a new CEO appointed by the summer of 2016. The position will be widely posted with the application timeline announced this spring.  Interim leadership and contacts for external matters at OAPCS are Jesse Truett, Chief Operations Officer and Julie Conry, Director of Communications.

“It’s important for the organization and the movement that the new CEO has a dynamic combination of leadership and expertise,” said Readler. He noted the search will also focus on identifying an individual who is aligned with the mission of OAPCS and its commitment to its members.

 
About the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS)

The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools is a membership organization that aspires to provide children with greater educational opportunities by improving the quality and fostering the growth of Ohio’s public charter schools. Approximately 125,000 students attend public charter schools in Ohio.