Alerts Sign-up
The Chicago Board of Education has approved several leadership appointments aimed at strengthening the administration of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The new leaders bring years of experience in education and have previously held key roles within CPS and related organizations.
Julie Burnett has been named Chief of Staff to the CEO. With over 25 years in education, Burnett started as a teacher with CPS and later became an assistant principal. She also served as director of curriculum and literacy for the district. Prior to her current role, she worked in citywide leadership positions, including senior director roles for both the City of Chicago and the Chicago Public Education Fund. Since July 2025, Burnett has served as interim chief of staff. She holds multiple master’s degrees in education from National Louis University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Ronan Shableski will serve as Chief of Safety and Security. Shableski began his nearly 20-year career with CPS as a watchman before advancing through various safety-related positions such as safety center lead, network safety manager, director, and deputy chief. He will continue work on implementing CPS’s Whole School Safety Policy. Shableski earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree from DeVry Keller Graduate School.
Dr. Alfonso Carmona has been appointed Acting Chief Education Officer (CEdO). Dr. Carmona is a 21-year veteran at CPS who has worked as a teacher, principal, chief of schools, and most recently Chief Portfolio Officer. He played a major role in developing an accountability framework for schools and helped streamline admissions processes across grade levels. Dr. Carmona holds a doctorate from Western Illinois University along with two master’s degrees in educational administration and curriculum & instruction.
Conrad Timbers-Ausar becomes Acting Chief Portfolio Officer after serving nearly two decades with CPS focused on student achievement in underserved communities. As founding principal for four high schools—including Englewood STEM—Timbers-Ausar contributed to expanding academic options citywide while serving recently as Deputy Chief Portfolio Officer.
Walter Stock is now Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Stock joined CPS in 2014 after more than 15 years working at companies like Mesirow and PNC. As treasurer and deputy CFO, he managed financial operations such as cash flow management, forecasting, debt issuance, investment strategy, and risk mitigation.
Emila Zoko steps into the role of Acting Chief Budget Officer after joining CPS in 2007. Zoko previously served as deputy chief in the Office of Budget and Grants Management where she oversaw allocation strategies for federal, state, and local funds to support student outcomes.
Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King stated: “CPS is fortunate to have such dedicated and knowledgeable professionals stepping into these critical leadership roles,” adding that their expertise “will help ensure that our schools are well supported and our students are positioned for long-term success.”
These appointments are part of ongoing efforts by Chicago Public Schools to place experienced leaders into roles directly affecting school operations throughout the district.
