New Schools for New Orleans CEO and leadership

Patrick Dobard is the CEO of New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO), a nonprofit organization committed to delivery on the promise of excellent public schools for every child in New Orleans. NSNO serves the city as a strategic leader, accelerates the development of high-quality schools, and provides financial and advisory support to grow, connect, and sustain school support organizations. Dobard served as the Superintendent of the Louisiana Recovery School District (RSD) from 2012 to 2017. In 2014, the New Orleans RSD became the nation’s first school district comprised entirely of charter schools. Under his leadership, the RSD made significant progress in transforming the most chronically low performing schools in Louisiana—nearly eliminating failing schools in New Orleans. Patrick helped design EnrollNOLA, the centralized enrollment system for New Orleans that provides families with equitable, transparent access to schools. Under his leadership, the RSD reduced expulsions through a common hearing office, passed an equitable school funding policy that takes the unique needs of each student into account, and progressed through the largest school construction project in the nation’s history. Dobard also led efforts to develop New Orleans Youth Opportunity Center to serve high-needs students at risk of dropping out and the Therapeutic Day Program, which serves students with severe behavioral health disabilities. Prior to leaving the RSD, Dobard, in collaboration with the Orleans Parish School Board, managed the process to unify New Orleans two school districts (RSD and OPSB). Patrick is a native New Orleanian and career educator. He began his teaching career in his hometown after graduating from Southern University of New Orleans.

Alex Jarrell is a Chief Innovation Officer at NEW SCHOOLS FOR NEW ORLEANS and is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has worked as Founding Principal at KIPP Booker T. Washington High School and Principal at KIPP Central City Academy. Alex attended University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University.

Holly Reid is a Chief of Policy and Portfolio at NEW SCHOOLS FOR NEW ORLEANS and is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has worked as Managing Director of Policy at NEW SCHOOLS FOR NEW ORLEANS, Legal Research Consultant at Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Inititiatives, and Executive Director of Policy at Donna Independent School District. Holly studied at Baylor University between 2002 and 2005 and TULANE UNIVERSITY between 2008 and 2011.

Nash Crews is a Chief Operating Officer at NEW SCHOOLS FOR NEW ORLEANS and is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has worked as Education Consultant at Service Education & Consulting Inc., Education and Health Legislative Assistant at United States Senate SAA, and Associate Director at TULANE UNIVERSITY. Nash studied at Furman University between 1998 and 2001.