Leadership

Executive Team

Keeanna Warren, PH.D

CEO

VIDEO: Meet Dr. Warren

Dr. Keeanna Warren is a proud Boilermaker and previously served as the founding Principal of the Purdue Polytechnic High School North campus. She is a seasoned classroom teacher, administrator, and leader. In her role as CEO, Dr. Warren will oversee all operations, including curriculum and student services. 

Keeanna was an Innovation School Fellow with The Mind Trust and designed, implemented, and led Purdue Polytechnic High School’s second campus in Broad Ripple. She is a fellow of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation Class V cohort.

Keeanna began her career teaching fifth grade at the Andrew J. Brown Academy charter school and Washington Township’s Nora Elementary School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in teaching from Marian University, where she was a part of the Turnaround School Leadership program. She is also a former math, ELA, and social studies teacher.

Before her role with Purdue Polytechnic High School, Keeanna worked from 2013 through 2019 with the Excel Center in the Meadows neighborhood, maintaining a perennial “A” school rating under her leadership. She served in numerous positions, including night instructor, graduate counselor, and lead instructor, until she was promoted to school director.

 

Shatoya Ward

Chief Schools Officer

VIDEO: Meet Shatoya Ward

Shatoya Ward was the founding Principal of the Schweitzer Center at Purdue Polytechnic High School Englewood and a The Mind Trust Innovation School Fellow. As the founding Principal of Purdue Polytechnic High School, Shatoya helped design and implement the school’s STEM curriculum and hands-on learning experiences. In her role as Chief of School Operations, Shatoya oversees the day-to-day operations of all PPHS campuses, implementing the curriculum, culture, and best practices she made successful while leading the PPHS Englewood campus.

Shatoya is a long-time educator and administrator who began her career in the classroom before becoming a school administrator responsible for several schools' academic and operational performance within the Excel Center system.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education, health and safety science, and biology from Marian University. Her love for science led her to the classroom, where she taught science to Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and Indianapolis charter school students.

Shatoya earned her master’s degree in leadership administration, also from Marian University, and in 2010, joined the Excel Center, serving as regional director, school director, and lead teacher.

 

William durham

Chief of Network Operations

The Purdue Polytechnic High Schools Network (PPHS) is delighted to announce William Durham as the new Chief of Network Operations. Mr. Durham brings a wealth of experience and expertise in organizational leadership and education, making him an invaluable addition to our team.

With an impressive educational background, Mr. Durham holds both MBA and MPA and is a distinguished alumnus of Morehouse College, where he completed his undergraduate degree. This combination of educational accomplishments reflects his commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.

Before joining PPHS, Mr. Durham served as the Executive Director of the esteemed organization 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. During his tenure, he showcased exceptional leadership qualities, successfully overseeing operations and implementing strategies that positively impacted the community. Mr. Durham's experience managing an organization of this stature has instilled in him a business acumen that will undoubtedly contribute to his role at PPHS.

 

Krista Primrose, Ph.D

Chief Academic Officer

VIDEO: Meet Krista Primrose

As Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Primrose works closely with school leaders and coaches to plan and implement an innovative curriculum that reflects the vision and mission of PPHS, removing educational barriers while ensuring students master academic content while engaging in authentic project-based learning experiences.

Krista has worked in education for 20 + years and has served as a high school English teacher, a Teacher Education professor, and a college administrator. She earned her bachelor's degree at Manchester University in 2003, a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Olivet Nazarene University in 2008, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University, West Lafayette in 2015.

 

Laura Cope

Chief of Exceptional Learners

Laura Cope joined the PPHS team as Director of Student Services in 2022 and now serves as Chief of Exceptional Learners. Laura received her Bachelors in Special Education then earned her Masters in Curriculum with a School Administrators License from Indiana State University. From her background as Assistant Director of School Improvement and Turnaround at the Indiana State Department of Education to her role as Regional Director of Student Services and support with Goodwill Education Initiatives, Laura brings extensive experience to the Purdue Polytechnic High School network.

As Chief of Exceptional Learners, Laura interacts, collaborates, and supports all school directors, special education site coordinators, and teachers of record. She ensures that all schools and special education staff implement all special education procedures and programs to develop and deliver high-quality services to students and monitors compliance for all schools. Laura directs and advises school directors and staff with specific legal procedures, regulations, legislation and programs that will guide all staff to mold the educational experiences of a diverse group of special needs students to develop and implement supportive, prescriptive, and realistic Individual Education Plans (IEP’s).

Todd Burleson

Financial Controller

Todd joined the PPHS team as a Financial Control in 2023. Todd received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Auburn University and is a licensed CPA. Todd brings a wealth of administrative experience in financial management, reporting, and analysis to Purdue Polytechnic High Schools Network.

As the Financial Controller, Todd oversees the financial operations of the network, ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing financial processes for efficiency and accuracy. Todd plays a pivotal role in strategic decision-making by providing insightful financial analysis and forecasts to support the network's growth and sustainability. Todd's dedication to excellence and his proactive approach to financial management are instrumental in driving the financial success of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools Network.

 

School Leaders

Richard BENBERRY

Principal of PPHS Broad Ripple

Video: Meet Richard Benberry

Richard Benberry joined the PPHS team as Principal of Purdue Polytechnic High School Broad Ripple in 2023. Richard has over 15 years of experience teaching ELA, Science, and Math and five years of leadership experience at the high school level. Richard is passionate about building relationships with students and staff and supporting project-based learning. 

 

Jacob Pactor

Principal of PPHS Englewood

VIDEO: Meet Jacob Pactor

Jacob Pactor

Jacob Pactor joined the PPHS team as Principal of Purdue Polytechnic High School Schweitzer Center at Englewood in 2022. Jacob wholeheartedly believes in the power of learning through authentic experiences and is excited to support the PPHS Englewood team as they continue to empower learners through student-centered, real-world learning experiences. 

Before joining the PPHS team, Jacob spent four years as assistant principal of Shortridge High School and more than a decade as a classroom teacher in the Indianapolis area. Jacob earned his Bachelor's degree from Wabash College and returned there in 2017 to serve as Director of Career Services. Jacob holds an MBA in Education Leadership from the University of Indianapolis, a master’s degree in English from Butler University, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Indiana University. 

 

Justin Zobrosky

Principal of PPHS South Bend

VIDEO: Meet Justin Zobrosky

 Justin Headshot

Justin Zobrosky joined the PPHS team in early 2022 as Principal of the South Bend Campus. Justin was previously a school leader at the South Bend Excel Center and is a Clay High School and Indiana University graduate. He has worked as a teacher, lead teacher, and school director, all of which have prepared him to lead the PPHS South Bend team.

Board of Directors

Jamal Smith, Chair
Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Indiana University Health

Ken Kobe, Treasurer
Business and Financial Consultant, Kenneth Kobe LLC

Dante Cook, Secretary
Senior Consultant, Managing Director, Private, Swan Bitcoin

Gary Bertoline
Senior Vice President for Purdue Online & Learning Innovation, Purdue University

Porsche Chisely
Founder & CEO, Chisley Consulting Group

Geoff Fenelus
Corporate Benefits Advisor, NFP Indianapolis

John Gipson 
Chief of Staff to Provost & Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Operations, Purdue University

Shane Hageman
President, Hageman Group

Maria Quintana
President, Q2u Strategic Advisory Group

Thomas Reives
Manager, Contract Manufacturing Operations, Eli Lilly and Company

Robert Wynkoop
Vice President of Administrative Operations, Purdue University

Jenna Rickus
Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning, and the John Martinson Honors College, Professor, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Professor, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University

 

Contact the Board of Directors

pphsboard@pphs.purdue.edu

 

Board Meeting Schedule

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule 2022-2023 School Year

July 27, 2022 - Executive Session of the PPHS Board of Directors - Overview & Agenda

September 2, 2022 - Executive Session of the PPHS Board of Directors - Overview & Agenda

September 14, 2022 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting- Overview & Agenda

December 7, 2022  | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting- Overview & Agenda

January 6, 2022 | 3:00 PM - Finance Committee Meeting - Overview & Agenda

January 11, 2023 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

February 1, 2023 | 4:00 PM - Executive Session - Overview & Agenda

March 8, 2023 | 4:00 PM Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

April 5, 2023 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

May 3, 2023 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

June 14, 2023 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

August 9, 2023 | 3:30 PM - Executive Session of the PPHS Board of Directors - Overview & Agenda

August 9, 2023 | 4:30 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

October 4, 2023 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

December 13, 2023 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

January 24, 2024 | 10:30 AM - Special Board Meeting- Overview & Agenda

January 24, 2024 | 11:00 AM - Executive Session of the PPHS Board of Directors - Overview & Agenda

February 21, 2024 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

April 10, 2024 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

June 12, 2024 | 4:00 PM - Board Meeting - Overview & Agenda

 

Public Comment Sign-in: Request to Address Purdue Polytechnic High Schools Board of Directors

Loading...