Paul G. Vallas is a nationally recognized expert in education and public sector finance with forty years of service dedicated to public interest. He has a proven track record of consulting for underperforming school districts, helping them optimize finances, strengthen educational delivery, and narrow achievement gaps. Notably, in 2016, he led a team that delivered a comprehensive program to the Department of Justice aimed at revamping education and occupational training in federal prisons, a key part of President Obama’s criminal justice reform agenda.

From 1995 to 2014, Paul successfully managed large urban school districts, including Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Bridgeport, CT. His leadership led to significant improvements in student academic performance, financial stability, and infrastructure development, including the rebuilding of New Orleans’ schools post-Hurricane Katrina. He has overseen more than $7 billion in school construction and the opening of over 100 charter schools, setting new standards for quality, affordability, and environmental efficiency.

Paul’s expertise in budgetary and organizational oversight began during his tenure as Chicago’s Revenue Director and Budget Director under Mayor Richard M. Daley. As the first CEO of Chicago Public Schools, he transformed the district from being labeled the “worst in the nation” to a “model for the nation” by 1998, leaving the district with a $300 million cash reserve. His work in Philadelphia further demonstrated his ability to lead large-scale education reforms, significantly increasing the number of schools meeting Adequate Yearly Progress.

Beyond the U.S., Paul’s expertise has been sought internationally. Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, he guided the creation of the country’s first publicly funded school system as the lead education consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank. He has also worked on expanding public education in Pakistan and Sudan, reflecting his passion for helping populations in crisis globally. Paul currently serves as the CEO of the McKenzie Foundation, promoting work-study programs in high schools through paid internships and apprenticeships.