district competitors

Former lawyer turned education advocate. Working to produce positive outcomes that promote scholastic and social growth, heighten self-esteem and expand opportunities for at-risk students. Experienced leader in both the private and public sectors, managing with candor and respect and always up for a healthy debate.Currently serve as the CEO of Catapult Learning, the nation’s largest provider of special education and instructional intervention solutions. Focused on expanding our network of ABA Therapy Clinics and special education schools across the country and ensuring students of all abilities have access to an education that prepares them to reach their fullest potential. Previously, was President and CEO of Sylvan Learning, one of the world’s largest networks of tutoring centers and one of the most recognized brands in education and franchising. Before Sylvan, was a principal at Sterling Partners, a middle market private equity firm with deep investment experience across the education and health services sectors. Previously, SVP of Operations at Prometric, a global computer-based testing company. Prior to joining the private sector, was a political appointee in the Clinton Administration. Served as the chief of staff for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the United States Department of Labor, and later as a staff attorney in the Office of the Counsel to the President at the White House. Active on several non-profit and philanthropic boards, including Thread, an innovative organization that engages under-performing high school students confronting significant barriers outside the classroom by providing each one with a family of committed volunteers and increased access to community resources.

Mala Batra joined Aspire in 2011 and has managed various functions including strategy, growth, and operations - overseeing the launch of six new Aspire schools, designing the organization’s strategic planning process, leading Aspire’s expansion into Memphis, and supporting the spinoff of Schoolzilla to share Aspire’s data tools with the sector. Mala served as Aspire’s Chief of Staff for 3 years before serving as interim CEO in 2018. Prior to joining Aspire, Mala held strategy and project management roles at Levi Strauss & Co. and Gap Inc. and worked as a consultant for Deloitte. Mala holds a B.S. from University of California, Berkeley and an M.B.A from Harvard Business School.