Leadership Team

Patti Camper - Assistant Superintendent, Program for Students with Exceptionalities

Patti served as the the principal of Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 for 12 years before being promoted to the Assistant Superintendent for the Program for Students with Exceptionalities in the fall of 2023. Prior to administration, Patti was a special education teacher for 18 years, primarily working with students with severe emotional disturbance. She has worked with students in rural, suburban and urban areas over the course of her career in Maryland and Pennsylvania. As a teacher, she also coached basketball, softball, and volleyball. More recently, she led Arsenal 6-8 to STAR school achievement awards for overall student growth for five consecutive years beginning in 2014. Patti is a graduate of Bloomsburg University, where she earned a B.S. in Special Education, as well as an M.S. in Behavior Disorders, while playing Division 2 softball for a nationally ranked program. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for K-12 Administrative and Curriculum Supervision certificates and Point Park University for her Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility. A strong proponent of teamwork and collaboration, Patti believes team sports and activities are a great foundation to help children learn to work together and support one another. In her new role, she continues to emphasize these foundational skills as she works to develop inclusive programs for students with disabilities.

Dr. Ted Dwyer - Chief of Data, Research, Evaluation and Assessment (DREA)

As an evaluator, researcher, and appreciator of data, Dr. Ted Dwyer serves as the District’s Chief of Data, Research,  Evaluation, and Assessments (DREA). DREA supports Teachers, Principals, and District leaders by providing reporting and data necessary to make appropriate educational decisions for our students.  DREA also works to ensure data are accurate in the information systems and are being shared with the public through the district website in a manner that does not violate student privacy. In his role, Dr. Dwyer supervises the: Office of Research and Evaluation, Office of Assessment, Office of Data & Accountability and the newly formed Office of Charter Schools.  Dr. Dwyer experience spans K-12 education, forensics, therapeutic intervention delivery, and the military.  Dr. Dwyer’s degrees include: a Bachelors in Psychology from University of Florida, a Masters in Psychology from University of South Florida (USF) and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from USF. Dwyer specializes in Measurement (assessment & testing), Evaluation Designs, Research Design, Qualitative & Quantitative Methodologies, Grant Evaluation & Reporting

Ronald Joseph - Chief Financial Officer

Ronald Joseph received his bachelor’s degree in policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University.  Upon graduation, he worked at the Bank of New York Mellon, where he managed more than $20 million in client assets each month.  He left the banking industry to join Pittsburgh Public Schools as a budget analyst  in 2008.  As the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Josephsupervises the District’s Budget Development, Finance, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Procurement, and Risk Management departments.  Mr. Joseph manages the development of the budget to ensure alignment to the District’s strategic plan and that resources are distributed equitably to support the needs of students.  

In 2018, Mr. Joseph was selected as a winner of the Pittsburgh Business Times CFO of the Year Award.  The award honors financial professionals in Western Pennsylvania for outstanding performance as corporate financial stewards.   

Dr. Monica D. Lamar -   Assistant Superintendent, School Performance

Dr. Monica D. Lamar is an Assistant Superintendent of twenty K-5, K-8 schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Dr. Lamar also served as the principal of Pittsburgh Dilworth Pre-K to 5th grade for fifteen years. She has served as a principal in the system for twenty years and has been a dedicated employee for twenty-six years. Dr. Monica D. Lamar received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Slippery Rock University and Master of Science in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2009, Dr. Monica D. Lamar received her Education Doctoral Degree from Duquesne University School of Education. Her program was the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Education Leaders (IDPEL), and her completed dissertation is entitled, “A School for Our Children: A School Successfully Closing the Student Achievement Gap.”

Dr. Lamar’s research interests include K-12 Leadership and Theory, Women Leadership, Education Policy and Critical Race Theory. Dr. Lamar is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and served as the President of Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 2016-2017 years. During her tenure as the Chapter President, the volunteer organization was recognized by Pittsburgh City Council for the 19,008 hours of service to the community. In 2023, Dr. Monica D. Lamar became a charter member of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated, Pittsburgh Steel City Chapter. She is a member of the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in the East Liberty part of Pittsburgh, Dr. William H. Curtis is the Senior Pastor. Dr. Monica D. Lamar is a proven school and community leader that believes, “Strong teams that are focused on a common goal will achieve success for the organization.”

Dr. Shawn Mcneil - Assistant Superintendent, Professional Development & Special Programming

Dr. Shawn McNeil’s career in education includes 20 years of experience as a school leader. In his current role as Assistant Superintendent for Professional Development and Special Programming, he is responsible for providing the guidance and supervision for the implementation of high-quality professional learning throughout the school district of Pittsburgh. Dr. McNeil believes that to create a culture of continuous improvement among all staff there must be a clear vision for excellence and equity in teaching and learning, and equitable opportunities for all educators to develop the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and beliefs necessary to meet the vast needs of all students within Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Prior to being promoted to assistant superintendent for professional development, Dr. McNeil served as principal of Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy for 10 years. During his tenure as principal, SciTech was frequently recognized as one of US News Best High Schools and ranked among the top schools in the Pittsburgh Metro Area according to US News Best High School report.

A strength of Dr. McNeil’s leadership practice is found in his ability to build staff capacity, and he believes that developing leadership capacity of others must begin with a commitment to building trust, enhancing the ways we collaborate, and implementing specific actions steps that will result in collective and individual learning and growth. Lastly, Dr. McNeil values the tremendous work of teachers and those who support teachers and will continue to work with his team to create the structures that expand and strengthen relationships and opportunities for increased engagement to implement the changes that are necessary for all students to experience academic success.

Rodney Necciai - Assistant Superintendent,  Student Support Services

Dr. Rodney Necciai has served the students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools in various capacities over the past 27 years. After three years as teacher in the district, he transitioned to a role as an assistant principal at Prospect and Arsenal Middle Schools. He then served as principal of Knoxville K-5 from 2002-2006, Phillips K-5 from 2006-2012, and Langley K-8 from 2012-2017. He has been an Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services for the past three years, after serving as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Leadership for three years prior, working with schools at all levels. He has led professional learning sessions on multiple topics within our district as well as at state and national conferences. Dr. Necciai has also been trained as a Restorative Practices Trainer and has led training in multiple schools, as well as presenting and sharing best practices at international conferences for the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP). Prior to moving back to Pittsburgh in 1996, Dr. Necciai was a Health and Physical Education teacher for six years in the Hillsborough County School District (Tampa, Florida).  During his eight years as a teacher, he also coached several sports including baseball, soccer, track, and wrestling at the middle and/or high school level in both the Hillsborough County School District and the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Dr. Melissa Pearlman- Assistant Superintendent, School Performance

Dr. Pearlman has dedicated her career to advancing student success in the Pittsburgh region for the past 23 years, most recently serving as the principal of Pittsburgh's Creative and Performing Arts Magnet (CAPA).

Prior to her role as principal, Dr. Pearlman has held various roles in PPS, including English teacher, gifted facilitator, lead principal, facilitator for new principal induction, Summer Leadership Academy presenter, and member of the PPS Queer Equity Committee.

In addition to her contributions as a school leader, Dr. Pearlman generously serves on the boards of the Women's Center and Shelter and Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater. She is an engaged member of the Downtown Safety Coalition, a collaborative group of civic, education, business, and law enforcement leaders working towards improving the Downtown Pittsburgh community for young people. Furthermore, she is a valued member of the Educational Advisory Panel for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and an alumnus of Leadership Pittsburgh (Cohort 38).

Dr. Pearlman earned her BA in English Literature from The University of Pittsburgh, her principal’s certification from the University of Pittsburgh and her doctorate in educational leadership from Point Park University.

Dr. Pearlman's research centered on capturing teacher perceptions of professional development, emphasizing teacher agency in designing opportunities within schools. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Duquesne University.

Residing in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood, Ms. Pearlman shares her home with her husband, two stepsons, and a lovable puppy.

Dr. Jala Olds-Pearson - Chief Academic Officer

Dr. Jala Olds-Pearson serves as Chief Academic Officer of Pittsburgh Public Schools. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attended Pittsburgh Public Schools during her elementary/middle school years, and graduated from Penn Hills High School in Penn Hills Township. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Saint Joseph's University, and a Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Olds-Pearson is a former assistant superintendent and principal with extensive experience in curriculum development, organizational leadership, and educational leadership at the school, district, and state levels. In addition, she has been a Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) facilitator for over ten years.

Her professional interests and passions derive from a belief that children can reach their highest potential when the educators who serve them have the essential resources, skills, and determination to implement relevant research and evidence-based practices.

Director of Public Relations and Media Content

As Director of Public Relations and Media Content for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Ebony R. Pugh is responsible for creating and managing public relations for the District and its 54 schools, three center programs, and 11 early childhood centers, including traditional media as well as non-traditional media such as social media and websites. Ms. Pugh works to keep the public informed of District programs, accomplishments, or points of view to increase an understanding of the Pittsburgh Public Schools' experience and support emergency brand management. In addition to the development of strategic communication and marketing plans to support various District initiatives and districtwide events, she is responsible for the development of the District's public engagement campaign (advertising), supports partner/District relations, coordinates photography, and serves as Executive Director of video production, including script development, writing, and production, supervises video consultants, executive produces the PPS Newsbreak and hosts the #WeArePPS podcast. She manages executive and serves as communication lead on special projects and materials such as the Equity Plan, State of the District, press conferences, and special events. She serves as the District's spokesperson to internal and external constituencies, including the media.

Before joining PPS, Ms. Pugh served as a Communications Specialist with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) from November 2000 to July 2006. During this time, she liaised with various community organizations and provider agencies. She was responsible for managing and developing awareness and community events, including co-creating Project Prom, established to provide eligible high school students with formal attire at no cost. She was led to DHS, following two terms as an AmeriCorps Member with KEYS Service Corps, where she was a team leader, responsible for orientation of incoming AmeriCorps members and recruitment efforts.  During this experience she is most proud of the time she spent coordinating after-school programming for at risk teens at the Duquesne Boys and Girls Club, and the co-development of community service events such as the Sidney Barlow Day of Peace.  

Ms. Pugh received her BA in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999. In 2006 she received an MA in Leadership and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University. Ms. Pugh is a member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and has served as a Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Homeless Children's Education Fund. She is President of the Usher Ministry of Jerusalem Baptist Church, West End.

Ms. Pugh has been recognized as a New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence, named a Village Builder by the Allegheny Union Baptist Association, and inducted into the Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame. Her work has been recognized by the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association. She is the proud mom of one son and a PPS graduate, Pierce.

Margaret Rudolph – Chief Human Resources Officer

Ms. Rudolph began her HR career in 1999 for the City of Huron, Ohio as the Director of Human Resources. Since then, she has managed human resources for the City of Sandusky, Ohio and Board of Erie County Commissioners. In her latest post at Heidelberg University, Ms. Rudolph managed the Office of Human Resources, Office of Safety & Security, and Campus Title IX Team, served on the President’s Senior Leadership Team, and Co-Chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University, and a Master’s degree of Labor and Human Resources from Ohio State University.

Nina Sacco - Assistant Superintendent, School Performance

Dr. Nina M. Sacco is a lifelong resident of the City of Pittsburgh who has dedicated her professional life to serving the children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.  She began her journey with The Pittsburgh Board of Public Education in 1997 as a permanent substitute teacher.  She then taught high school English, worked as a literacy coach, became an assistant principal, advanced to the role of principal and is now an assistant superintendent.    Dr. Sacco obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh.  She then entered the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a teaching certificate in Secondary English and a Master of Education Degree.  In 2014 she received her Doctorate from Duquesne University. The urban setting is where Dr. Sacco is able to cultivate her passion for educating young adults. 

Mark Stuckey – Chief Technology Officer

Pittsburgh native Mark Stuckey is a seasoned professional in the field of education technology, known for his innovative leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing the learning experience. Mr. Stuckey most recently served as Interim Chief Technology Officer and Director of End User Services at Pittsburgh Public Schools. Before PPS, Mr. Stuckey worked as Operations Specialist, Deputy CTO, and Interim CTO for Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3.

He is a proud Pittsburgh Public Schools graduate, attending Liberty, Frick, and Schenley. In 2003, Mr. Stuckey earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and, in 2005, a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in IT from Point Park University.

Since Mr. Stuckey joined the PPS team in 2014, he has demonstrated remarkable vision and leadership in managing and optimizing the District's technological infrastructure. In 2020, when the District was met with the challenges of remote readiness, he led the efforts to make PPS a one-to-one District. For the first time, every PPS student received a device to support learning at home. Under the one-to-one device initiative, he fostered relationships with businesses to close the digital divide, provide hot spots to needed families, and connect families with free Comcast internet. 

His innovative initiatives have streamlined technology and enhanced online collaboration among students, teachers, and administrative staff. Mr. Stuckey's efforts have resulted in the successful implementation of cutting-edge learning management systems. 

Mr. Stuckey is the proud father of two PPS students. 

Merecedes J. Williams - Director Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Mrs. Williams began her PPS career in high school as an afterschool certified tutor in 2003.  After almost two decades, nine different roles, and working in over 20 PPS schools, Mrs. Williams serves as Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement in the Superintendent’s Office. As director, she manages family and internal communications, stakeholder engagement, graphic design, professional writing, copywriting, family recruitment and retention, and parent affairs and advocacy.

 After graduating from Schenley High School in 2005, she went right into the full-time workforce at PPS while continuing her education at Duquesne University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in multiplatform journalism and theology.

She is an award-winning communicator, social media strategist, and community advocate. Mrs. Williams has been honored by the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 under 40 2013, WHIRL Magazine’s 2016 Women in Business Class. Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 2019, Pennsylvania Keystone Press Award-first place for Lifestyle and Entertainment Beat- Division VI 2020, and Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s 2021 Community Service Award. 

She previously served as Board Secretary for the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, and current Board Secretary for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Young Professionals. Mrs. Williams is a proud Pittsburgh Public Schools alumni (Vann, Miller, Lincoln, Rogers CAPA and Schenley), employee, and three-time parent.