Gretchen Schoenhaar: New CEO Of Step Up For Students & More
Is a new era dawning for Step Up For Students, the largest school voucher administration organization in the nation? With the recent appointment of Gretchen Schoenhaar as Chief Executive Officer, a new direction is undoubtedly underway.
The announcement, made on April 30, 2024, marks a significant leadership transition for Step Up For Students. Schoenhaar, who steps into the role, brings with her a wealth of experience, particularly from her previous executive positions at Barclays, a leading global investment bank. Her tenure at Barclays saw her leading critical initiatives, including major technology integrations, regulatory compliance efforts, and fraud prevention strategies, while also serving as head of payments.
This leadership change also sees Doug Tuthill, who has served as Step Ups President since 2008, transitioning to the role of Chief Vision Officer. This shift signals a strategic realignment, aiming to leverage Tuthills extensive institutional knowledge and foresight for the organization's long-term objectives. Schoenhaar takes the helm at a pivotal moment, with the organization continuing to navigate the evolving landscape of education choice and scholarship programs. The organization's primary mission remains providing financial assistance to families, enabling them to access educational opportunities that best meet the needs of their children.
Gretchen Schoenhaar is taking over as ceo at Step up for students, the nations largest school voucher administration organization. "We have heard our families frustrations and are continuing to simplify our processes, increase the speed of payments, and resolve issues quickly and efficiently," CEO Gretchen Schoenhaar said via email.
The selection of Schoenhaar underscores a commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. Her experience in technology and payments, coupled with her leadership in regulatory compliance and fraud prevention, is expected to be invaluable as the organization adapts to the growing demands of its mission. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and implement advanced technological solutions will be crucial in ensuring the efficient and secure distribution of scholarships.
The focus on improving services is echoed in the organizations public statements. Schoenhaar has emphasized a commitment to listening to families and addressing their concerns, which includes simplifying processes, accelerating payment speeds, and resolving issues promptly.
Beyond her immediate responsibilities at Step Up For Students, Schoenhaar has also been actively involved in initiatives promoting women's leadership. She chaired professional development events for Bar None, Barclays' women's affinity network, and moderated a career panel for International Women's Day in March 2020, which showcased industry experts. This involvement reflects her broader commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting the advancement of women in leadership roles.
The organization's headquarters are located in Jacksonville, Florida. Step Up For Students has 3,908 employees.
The appointment of Gretchen Schoenhaar comes at a time when discussions about school choice and scholarship programs are gaining momentum. Florida House Democrats are advocating for greater transparency regarding these programs, including the release of demographic data and budget plans. This heightened scrutiny highlights the importance of efficient operations and a clear commitment to public accountability.
Heres a table summarizing the key aspects of Gretchen Schoenhaars background and professional journey:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gretchen Schoenhaar |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer, Step Up For Students |
| Previous Role | Executive at Barclays (Global Investment Bank) |
| Past Responsibilities at Barclays | Leading major technology integrations, Spearheading regulatory compliance and fraud prevention efforts, Head of Payments |
| Education | Information not available in the provided text. |
| Location | Whippany, NJ (Registered to vote in Morris County, NJ) |
| Political Affiliation | Democratic Party |
| Key Skills | Microsoft Office, Management, Business Development, Training, Team Management |
| Contact (Reported) | [email protected] and [email protected], 1 Mobile Phone Number |
| Other Noteworthy Activities | Chaired professional development for Barclays' Bar None (women's affinity network); moderated a career panel for International Womens Day |
| Appointment Date | April 30, 2024 |
| Reference Link | Step Up For Students Official Website |
