LCS Board News: New Executive Director Hired

16-Dec-2011

Dear Larchmont Schools Parents,

We are very excited to announce that Gene Straub has been hired as Larchmont Schools’ next Executive Director. After a seven month search process, Gene was chosen because of his unwavering passion for our schools and his extensive management experience in charter schools and business. Gene will begin full-time on February 1st, and our current leader Brian Johnson, will stay on part-time to ensure a seamless leadership transition.

As some of you may know, Gene has been involved with Larchmont for more than six years. He has served as a board member, finance committee member and as Chief Operating Officer. Gene’s steadfast leadership and business acumen has helped Larchmont grow from one elementary school to a network of two schools serving nearly 1,000 studentsand operating with an annual budget of $8 million. He has helped guide our schools through financial challenges, hired some of our most inspiring leaders and helped secure the approval, renewal and extension of our charters.

Gene brings unique talents in management, finance and operations to our organization. He served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the Youth Policy Institute where he was responsible for the finance, accounting and operational activities of the $30 million nonprofit agency including the governance of two charter schools. Prior to jumping into the non-profit world, Gene was the Senior Vice President of Studio Operations for Twentieth Century Fox, where he was responsible for daily operational activity of the 54-acre studio lot and had oversight of an $85 million operating budget.

When he is not driving the education reform agenda for charter schools, you can usually find Gene on the soccer field or in the kitchen. Gene is the Board Treasurer for AYSO Region 78 and received a Diplôme de Cuisine with honors from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Gene’s wife Janneke, is the Executive Director of the American Youth Symphony, and their daughter Juliet is an 8th grader and son Nicolas a 5th grader at LCS.

We have spoken with Brian and the school leaders and are heartened that they share our excitement in Gene’s selection as our next Executive Director. We know Brian, Gene, and all the school leaders will be working very closely together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Respectfully,

Larchmont Schools Board of Directors