Educational Services of America

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Executive Management Team

• Mark Claypool, President and Chief Executive Officer

  

  Mark Claypool believes that all children can advance academically, behaviorally and socially if they are given the right tools in the right environment. A social worker and education administrator, Mark was frustrated by decreasing resources for children with learning differences, so he founded Educational Services of America in 1999. Today, ESA serves more than 10,000 students who are at risk of dropping out of school or who have autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or other learning/behavioral disabilities. ESA operates more than 140 schools and programs nationwide and is listed among the Inc. 5,000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.

• Gail Debiec, Chief Operating Officer, Spectrum Center Schools and Programs

  

  Gail Debiec is responsible for program quality, student safety, market development and operations of ESA Exceptional Schools and Spectrum Center Schools and Programs. She has more than 30 years experience in education, including more than 20 years directing education and therapeutic facilities for young people with special needs.

• Allison O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer, Ombudsman Educational Services

  

  Allison O'Neill began her career with Ombudsman in 1997 as a certified teacher at of the non-traditional education programs in Illinois. She has held several positions with Ombudsman, including regional manager in Illinois and director of center operations. In 2009, O'Neill was promoted to chief operating officer and is responsible for Ombudsman’s strategic direction, government relations, integrity assurance, sales and marketing and human resources. O'Neill has a bachelor’s degree in education from Marquette University.

• John McLaughlin, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Director of Research & Analytics

  

  John McLaughlin has committed his professional life to ensuring that all children have access to education that meets their needs. A former high school administrator and tenured professor, John works on education policy at the federal, state and local levels. He is responsible for ESA’s government relations and new business development.

• Shirley Hanback, Executive Vice President, Human Resources

  

  Shirley Hanback has more than 25 years experience in the management of human resources functions including recruiting, human capital, employee relations, benefits, salary administration, staff development, and payroll management. She is particularly skilled in the development of relevant and impactful human resources policies and procedures.

• Bryan Skelton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  

  Bryan Skelton directs ESA’s financial planning and reporting, investor relations, capital formation, risk management and management information systems functions. He has more than 13 years experience in finance and accounting, including special expertise in financial modeling, project financing and acquisitions.

• Karen LeFever, Ed.D., Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer

  

  An experienced educator and administrator, Karen LeFever directs ESA’s Business Development strategy. She has special expertise in leading the development of partnerships that connect public school and school district achievement concerns with innovative services and programs that benefit students, school districts and communities.

• Donald B. Whitfield, Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

  

  Don Whitfield has experience in both public accounting and private industry. He is responsible for the oversight of the accounting function, including the establishment of accounting policies and procedures, financial reporting, audit relations, tax compliance, treasury and banking relations, and risk management.

• Alan Watson, Senior Vice President, Information Technology

  

  Alan Watson is a skilled technical manager with nearly 20 years experience in information technology, infrastructure and implementation. He leads ESA’s IT team and is responsible for software development, technical operations, infrastructure and internal technology solutions for ESA and its divisions.

• Cate Lewandowski, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations

  

  Cate Lewandowski is an experienced marketing, public relations and media professional. She has managed international and national marketing and communications programs for a variety of corporate, consumer and education organizations and is responsible for advertising, marketing and media relations to support ESA and the ESA brands.