Divisions and Teams
2026-27 GCPS Organizational Structure
Gwinnett County Public Schools’ organizational structure clearly puts schools at the center as they are the heart of the organization. No matter the division, department, or office, the day-to-day work of the district is focused on supporting schools. As is often said within GCPS, there are only two types of employees in the district… those who teach and those who support those who teach.
Dr. Alexandra Estrella
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school district as the sole employee of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Part of the Board governance team as the Board secretary.
Direct reports to the Superintendent:
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Deputy Superintendent, Alison E. Breedy-Johnson, Esq.
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Executive Director of Visioning and Strategy, Dr. Kimberly J. Erickson
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Chief of Staff, Jorge Gomez
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Chief Communications Officer, Niccolo Dua
- Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Shawn D. Bird
- Chief Operations Officer, Patrick Burke
- Chief Accountability and Engagement Officer, Dr. Al Taylor
- Chief of Schools, Mary-Anne Sheppard
- Chief Human Resources Officer, Cathy Hardin
- Chief Financial Officer, Masana Mailliard
- Interim Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Eric Spoto
Alison E. Breedy-Johnson, Esq.
Deputy Superintendent
The Deputy Superintendent provides leadership, direction, guidance, and oversight to ensure all students have access to rigorous, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for success in college, career, and life, in accordance with the strategic goals established by the Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent and Board of Education.
Dr. Kimberly J. Erickson
Executive Director of Visioning and Strategy
Jorge Gomez
Supervises Legislative & Education Policy and Records Management offices. Acts as a state government liaison and open records contact. Supports Superintendent’s office with special projects, Board administration, and Instructional Support Center operations.
Niccolo Dua
Chief Communications Officer
Dr. Shawn D. Bird
Chief Academic Officer
Gwinnett County Public Schools’ core business is teaching and learning. The goal of the Division of Teaching and Learning is to help all students reach their learning potential. Teachers and leaders focus on providing curriculum, instruction, and assessments that are rigorous, integrated, and aligned.
Dr. Al Taylor
Chief Accountability and Engagement Officer
Mary-Anne Sheppard
Chief of Schools
Patrick Burke
Supervises Facility Planning and Construction, Building Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance, Environmental, Print and Supply Services, Planning, Transportation and Fleet Maintenance, and the School Nutrition Program. Responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining school buildings, grounds and athletic facilities to be safe, secure, and optimal for student learning and growth. Also responsible for providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation services, and providing each student with the affordable opportunity to consume nutritious meals during the school-day.
Cathy Hardin
Supervises Leadership Development, Staffing, Employee Relations, and HR systems. Responsible for all talent management functions, including recruitment, hiring, evaluation, promotion, and retention.
Masana Mailliard
Supervises Financial Services, Budgets and Financial Reporting, and Retirement offices. Provides leadership and directs the business operations of Gwinnett County Public Schools with responsibility for budget preparation, strategy, investments, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, auditing, risk management, and the Gwinnett Retirement System (GRS).
Eric Spoto
Interim Chief Technology & Innovation Officer
Supervises Information Security and Technology Operations & Solutions, Network Operations & Enterprise Support Services, Instructional Technology & Innovation, Business Resource Management and Project Management offices. Provide leadership in developing, implementing, and promoting the district's vision for technology and innovation, directing all aspects of technology implementation and support, and driving the ongoing development and continuous improvement of information management strategies, solutions, and security.