Mark Claypool, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mark Claypool believes that all children can advance academically, behaviorally and socially if they are given the right tools in the right environment. A social worker and education administrator, Mark was frustrated by decreasing resources for children with learning differences, so he founded Educational Services of America in 1999. Today, the company serves more than 10,000 students who are at risk of dropping out of school or who have autism, Asperger's Syndrome or other learning/behavioral disabilities, and its Ombudsman division operates more than 120 programs nationwide.
Allison O'Neill, Chief Operating Officer
Allison O'Neill began her career with Ombudsman in 1997 as a certified teacher at of the non-traditional education programs in Illinois. She has held several positions with Ombudsman, including regional manager in Illinois and director of center operations. In 2009, O'Neill was promoted to chief operating officer and is responsible for Ombudsman’s strategic direction, government relations, integrity assurance, sales and marketing and human resources. O'Neill has a bachelor’s degree in education from Marquette University.
Sue Fila, Vice President of Center Operations
Sue Fila has been a member of the Ombudsman team since 1999. She has held several management positions at Ombudsman, including director, regional manager and assistant director of center operations. In 2008, Fila was promoted to vice president of center operations, with responsibility for providing leadership, quality assurance, managerial and administrative support to all regions and centers. Fila also leads the accreditation process for Ombudsman learning centers. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the Pennsylvania State University and holds a certificate as a school improvement specialist.
Emily Langfeldt, Vice President of Program Operations
Emily Langfeldt began her career as a teacher with Ombudsman in 1998 and has served as program director and regional manager. In 2008, she was promoted to vice president of program operations. In this role, Langfeldt evaluates all aspects of Ombudsman programs to ensure the needs of students, staff and school district partners are met. She develops program models to meet the changing needs of students and district partners, ensures data collection of program outcomes, and oversees the Ombudsman Arizona Charter School operations. Langfeldt earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston College.
Bryan Skelton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Bryan Skelton directs the company's financial planning and reporting, investor relations, capital formation, risk management and management information systems functions. He has more than 13 years experience in finance and accounting, including special expertise in financial modeling, project financing and acquisitions.
John McLaughlin, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Director of Research and Analytics
John McLaughlin has committed his professional life to ensuring that all children to education that meets their needs. A former high school administrator and tenured professor, John works on education policy at the federal, state, and local levels. He is responsible for the company's government relations and new business development.
Karen LeFever, Ed.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
An experienced educator and administrator, Karen LeFever directs the company's sales strategy. She has special expertise in leading the development of partnerships that connect public school and school district achievement concerns with innovative services and programs that benefit students, school districts and communities.
Shirley W. Hanback, Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Shirley has more than 25 years experience in the management of human resources functions including recruiting, human capital, employee relations, benefits, salary administration, staff development of relevant and impactful human resources policies and procedures.
Donald B. Whitfield, Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Don Whitfield has experience in both public accounting and private industry. He is responsible for the oversight of the accounting function, including the establishment of accounting policies and procedures, financial reporting, audit relations, tax compliance, treasury and banking relations, and risk management.
Alan Watson, Senior Vice President, Information Technology
Alan Watson is a skilled technical manager with nearly 20 years experience in information technology infrastructure and implementation.He leads the company's IT team and is responsible for software development, technical operations, infrastructure and internal technology solutions.
Cate Lewandowski, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations
Cate Lewandowski is an experienced marketing, public relations and media professional. She has managed international and national marketing and communications programs for a variety of corporate, consumer and educational organizations and is responsible for the company's advertising, marketing and media relations.
