Meet the Chancellor and senior leaders who lead New York City Public Schools (NYCPS)
Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor
Melissa Aviles-Ramos is Chancellor of New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), the largest school district in the nation. She has dedicated nearly two decades to the children, staff, and families of NYCPS, serving in roles at every level of the system and driving dramatic growth in student outcomes. As Chancellor, she has continued to champion NYC Reads, NYC Solves, and Student Pathways, expanding these instructional priorities to reach tens of thousands more students. She also launched NYCPS Cares, an initiative to address systemic inequities in schools. Under her leadership, proficiency in literacy and math rose to their highest levels since 2012, with 7.2 and 3.5 point gains in ELA and math, respectively, between 2024 and 2025.
Chancellor Aviles-Ramos began her career in 2007 as an English teacher and NYC Teaching Fellow at Harry S. Truman High School in the Bronx. She later became the principal at Schuylerville Prep, where she transitioned her school to remote instruction during the pandemic and then stepped up to serve as the deputy superintendent for the Bronx high schools of District 8, 10 and 11. Soon after, she was promoted to acting superintendent. Most recently, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos was the Deputy Chancellor of Family and Community Engagement and External Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to her predecessor.
Chancellor Aviles-Ramos earned her bachelor's degree from Fordham University, a Master of Arts in English Education from the City College of New York, and advanced certificates in school and district leadership from the College of Saint Rose. She is a native New Yorker, a Latina, and the proud parent of an NYCPS student.
Kenita Lloyd, Chief of Staff
As former Deputy Chancellor of Family and Community Engagement and External Affairs, Kenita Lloyd oversaw the Chancellor’s priority of authentically engaging families, as well as the Department’s external affairs work.
During her time as deputy chancellor of FACE+EA, Ms. Lloyd led several successful initiatives aimed at changing the narrative for NYCPS and engaging families and communities as authentic partners in our schools. She initiated the rebrand of the ‘Department of Education’ to ‘New York City Public Schools,” created NYCPS’ first interfaith advisory council, and ushered in an expanded Panel for Educational Policy with a revised set of bylaws and a code of conduct. Under her leadership, NYCPS launched its first regular ‘State of Our Schools’ and monthly cultural events to celebrate the diversity of our public schools.
Previously, Kenita served as Chief Operations Officer at The Eagle Academy Foundation, where she was instrumental in the foundation’s growth and ability to support the Eagle Academy for Young Men schools, overseeing the foundation’s budget, day-to-day operations and marketing, and communications and development efforts. Prior to joining The Eagle Academy Foundation, Lloyd was appointed Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Kenita has also held leadership roles at the Museum for African Art, the National Action Network, and the New York City Mission Society (Minisink Townhouse).
Isabel DiMola, Acting First Deputy Chancellor
Isabel DiMola serves as the Acting First Deputy Chancellor, overseeing key offices that include District Planning, DEIB, the Education Construction Fund, Enrollment, New School Development & Design, Nonpublic and Charter Schools, Policy & Evaluation, and Student Pathways.
With over three decades of service as an educator and leader, Isabel has held pivotal roles across the system, including as Community Superintendent of District 21 since 2009, High School Superintendent in Brooklyn, Senior Achievement Facilitator supporting schools citywide, Acting Queens High School Superintendent, principal of Richard R. Green High School of Teaching, and assistant principal. She began her career as a social studies teacher at Abraham Lincoln High School, where she taught for over seven years. Her work reflects a deep dedication to ensuring access, equity, and high-quality instruction for every student.
A lifelong New Yorker and proud graduate of Brooklyn’s District 21 schools, Isabel holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Education, a Master’s in History, and an advanced certificate in School/District Administration and Supervision.
Patrick Fagan, PhD, Chief Talent/Human Resources Officer
As the Chief Talent/Human Resources Officer for New York City Public Schools, Dr. Patrick Fagan oversees the full spectrum of human resources work for over 140,000 employees. Patrick has dedicated his career to public service, bringing a lifelong commitment to advancing education and strengthening the city’s workforce. A proud graduate of NYCPS himself, Patrick has served in numerous NYCPS leadership roles, including Budget Team Lead, Network Leader, Deputy Cluster Leader, Senior Manager for Human Resources, Director of Operations, and most recently, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer.
Dr. Fagan holds a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Capella University, an MBA from Baruch College, and a dual bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Hofstra University. After earning his BA, he entered city government as an Urban Fellow, where he played a key role in reengineering the Vital Records Department at the NYC Department of Health. Over the course of his career, he has held positions across numerous city agencies, including the Mayor’s Office of Operations and the Department of Homeless Services.
Christina Foti, Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL)
Christina Foti is the Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL) at New York City Public Schools. In this role, she oversees the Special Education Office, the Office of Multilingual Learners, the Committees on Special Education (CSEs), the Committees on Preschool Special Education (CPSEs), and District 75, ensuring that the needs of historically marginalized students are centered in all aspects of the system’s work.
Previously, Foti served as NYCPS’s Chief of Special Education, leading initiatives that impacted over 270,000 students with disabilities. She managed citywide services and expanded access to specialized programs for students with diverse needs, including those with autism, dyslexia, and intellectual disabilities, as well as bilingual special education learners.
Her career in education began as a middle school teacher, and she went on to serve as a literacy coach, assistant principal, principal, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Executive Director of the Special Education Office. Foti holds a Bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, a Master’s in Special Education from the City University of New York, and a Postgraduate degree in Educational Leadership from Hunter College. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Simone C. Hawkins, Deputy Chancellor of Early Childhood Education
As Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Early Childhood Education, Simone C. Hawkins oversees birth to 5 education, including 3-K and Pre-K, and the implementation of NYC Reads in early childhood classrooms.
Simone previously worked under this administration as the Chief Executive of Early Childhood Operations, and is rejoining New York City Public Schools from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene where she most recently served as Chief Equity Officer and Deputy Commissioner for the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness. Simone has also held roles as the Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Child Care in the Division of Environmental Health at DOHMH, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Covenant House, Deputy Director of Budget and Operations at The Children’s Aid Society, and as a Senior Budget Analyst for the New York City Office of Management and Budget, where she managed over six billion dollars for the education task force.
Cristina Meléndez, Ed.D., Deputy Chancellor of Family, Community, and Student Empowerment
Cristina Meléndez is an accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience in public education and the nonprofit sector. As Deputy Chancellor for Family, Community, and Student Empowerment, she is committed to creating a future where families, communities, and students are true partners in decision-making.
A former teacher, assistant principal, and executive director, Dr. Meléndez has shaped policy and practices at every level of the school system—from classrooms to central offices. She has led groundbreaking initiatives including NYC’s largest family-facing literacy campaign and the launch of Family Connectors, a multi-agency effort to connect families with critical supports. Her partnerships with tech and nonprofit leaders have expanded opportunities for students and brought real-time tools to schools.
Dr. Meléndez holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, two Master’s degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s from Cornell University.
Through every role, Dr. Meléndez stays grounded in one core belief: when we listen to families and trust the communities we serve, we create schools where all children can thrive.
Kevin Moran, Acting Deputy Chancellor for Operations
Kevin Moran is the Acting Deputy Chancellor for Operations. Prior to his current role, Kevin served as New York City Public Schools’ Chief of School Operations, and prior to that, as the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for student transportation. He has also served as the Executive Director of Operations within the Office of School Support, Deputy Cluster Leader for the Division of Academics Performance and Support, and Deputy Executive Director of Operations at the Brooklyn Integrated Service Center.
Kevin began his career with NYCPS in 1998 as a classroom teacher, and later as the school’s Crisis Intervention Teacher, at Egbert Intermediate School (IS 2). He then became a teacher assigned to District 31’s student services team, followed by Regional Safety Administrator for the Regional Operations Center.
Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Secondary Education from Wagner College. He earned his license in School Administration and Supervision from the College of Saint Rose.
Mark Rampersant, Chief of Safety and Prevention Partnerships
Mark Rampersant serves as the Chief of Safety and Prevention Partnerships for New York City Public Schools, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience to the nation's largest school system. In this role, he oversees school safety, security, and emergency readiness, as well as school climate and culture, counseling services, and the Public School Athletic League. His work ensures that every student learns in an environment that is physically secure, emotionally supportive, and inclusive.
Chief Rampersant directs prevention and intervention programs, including restorative practices, progressive discipline, social-emotional learning, and crisis response. He has also advanced major citywide initiatives such as Project PIVOT, Every Child and Family is Known (ECFIK), the Comfort Dog program, and the new Anti-Bullying and Anti-Vaping campaigns.
A trusted partner to the NYPD School Safety Division and other city agencies, Chief Rampersant plays a vital role in aligning resources and building strong collaborations that support schools. He is guided by a core belief: that safety is a form of equity. By fostering safe, welcoming environments, we ensure that all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Danika Rux, Ed.D., Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership
Dr. Danika Rux is the Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership for New York City Public Schools, bringing over 30 years of experience in advancing educational excellence and equity. She began her career as a Speech Teacher and has since held key leadership roles including Principal, Field Support Liaison, Superintendent, Executive Superintendent, and Chief of School Support.
Today, Dr. Rux leads 44 community and high school superintendents, driving district-wide improvement, strategic support, and leadership development. Her work reflects a deep commitment to systems-level leadership—aligning instructional priorities, compliance, and professional learning across schools and central offices to ensure consistent, high-quality education citywide.
She also oversees two flagship initiatives: NYC Reads, now in over 800 schools, and NYC Solves, in nearly 600 schools—both aimed at strengthening literacy and math proficiency. Through these efforts, she empowers educators and students to build foundational skills for lifelong success.
Dr. Rux holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sage College and advanced degrees from Long Island University, Baruch College, Mercer University, and Georgia State University. She is passionate about collaboration and the exchange of ideas to unlock leadership potential and help students thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Seritta Scott, Chief Financial Officer
Seritta Scott is the Chief Financial Officer for New York City Public Schools, where she oversees an over $40 billion budget and leads all financial and budgetary operations for the nation’s largest school system. A seasoned public finance executive, she brings deep expertise in education policy, fiscal planning, capital management, and oversight of city, state, and federal funding. Prior to joining NYCPS, Seritta held key roles at the NYC Office of Management and Budget, supporting the city’s Budget Director in implementing fiscal policy and advancing education investments. Her leadership is grounded in strategic insight and lived experience. A proud graduate of New York City Public Schools, she holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from CUNY colleges. Seritta combines policy acumen, operational rigor, and a lifelong commitment to public service to drive financial stewardship for NYC’s students and schools. She is deeply committed to equity, transparency, and sustainable investment, ensuring that resources are aligned to support educational excellence across the city.
Liz Vladeck, General Counsel
As General Counsel, Liz Vladeck and her team represent and advise NYCPS on all legal matters, including Constitutional law and civil rights; special education; labor and employment; employee discipline; federal, state, and local law and compliance; procurement and commercial transactions; and general litigation. Liz works to ensure the Office of General Counsel provides superlative, ethical legal counsel and representation in support and as part of NYCPS’ efforts to advance learning, collaborate with families as partners, foster student resilience, and create safe and inclusive environments. Prior to joining NYCPS in 2021, Liz served as Senior Labor Policy Advisor in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Policy & Planning and as Deputy Commissioner and founding Director of the Office of Labor Policy and Standards in the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Before working for NYC, Liz represented workers and unions in the private sector for over 15 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and her law degree from Columbia Law School and teaches labor law at New York Law School. Liz and her children are proud products of New York City Public Schools.