Management Team

ESA has assembled an experienced management team with proven expertise in the children’s education and healthcare fields.

  • Mark Claypool, President and Chief Executive Officer
  • Alvin Allgood, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
  • John McLaughlin, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
  • Bryan Skelton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  • Blanche Fraser, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
  • Donald B. Whitfield, Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
  • Steve Kaufman, Vice President and Chief Information Officer
  • Shirley Hanback, Vice President, Human Resources
  • Alice Conte, Vice President, Quality Assurance
  • Allison O’Neill, Vice President of Operations, Ombudsman Division
Photo of Alice Conte

Alice Conte

Alice Conte brings more than 3 decades of experience in a variety of educational settings to her position with ESA

Photo of Allison O'Neill

Allison O'Neill

In her role as Vice President of Operations in the Ombudsman Division of ESA, Allison is responsible for the quality of programs and delivery of educational services throughout Ombudsman.

Photo of Alvin Allgood

Alvin Allgood

Alvin Allgood brings nearly two decades of education experience to his position as EVP, where he is responsible for overseeing programs and services offered by each of ESA’s four branded divisions.

Photo of Blanche E. Fraser, Ph.D.

Blanche E. Fraser, Ph.D.

With nearly three decades of experience in education, Dr. Blanche Fraser understands what parents want and expect from their children’s schools.

Photo of Bryan Skelton

Bryan Skelton

In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Bryan Skelton directs ESA's financial planning and reporting, investor relations, capital formation and management information systems functions.

Photo of Donald B. Whitfield

Donald B. Whitfield

As Chief Accounting Officer, Donald Whitfield is committed to shaping ESA's financial future as the company grows and expands its national presence.

Photo of John M. McLaughlin, Ph.D.

John M. McLaughlin, Ph.D.

Dr. John McLaughlin has committed his professional life to ensuring that all children have access to education that meets their needs.

Photo of Mark Claypool

Mark Claypool

A social worker by training, Mark brings almost two decades of experience in K-12 education, special and alternative education to his post as CEO.

Photo of Shirley W. Hanback

Shirley W. Hanback

With more than 25 years of experience as a human resource generalist, Shirley oversees recruiting, management training, employee relations, benefits and HR compliance functions.

Photo of Steve Kaufman

Steve Kaufman

Steve Kaufman has worked for the last 30 years to bring the benefits of technology to the hands of the general user, primarily in the fields of medical education and training.

Stories

Read tales of accomplishment and success from ESA teachers.

Read the stories of our teachers.

About ESA

We believe every student can succeed given the right kind of instruction.

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ESA Exceptional
Unique approaches to educating exceptional students. >
Ombudsman
Partnering with schools and struggling students to treat academic paths on the decline.
College Living Experience
Access and support for college students who need it.
Spectrum
An individualized approach for children with special needs.