Planning the Pivot: Succession and Career Transitions for School Leaders
Leadership transitions are inevitable — but they're rarely planned for, and even more rarely discussed openly. This session is designed for those contemplating a career shift, building a succession plan, or sitting on a board wondering how to prepare for leadership change. The presenters, Irene Salter and Caitlin O'Halloran Hellar, bring their own non-linear careers to the table and have assembled a panel of California charter leaders who have been through it myriad scenarios: ones who shifted into charter leadership from other fields, ones who built something and then passed it on, and ones figuring out what comes after. Leaning into William Bridges' Transition Model and Jenny Blake's Pivot framework as anchors, this session offers real stories, practical tools, and honest conversation about one of the least-discussed challenges in the charter sector: what happens when it's time for what's next.
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Presented by
Joanne Fountain CEO Delta Managed Solutions, Inc.
Joanne Fountain is a longtime charter school advocate with more than 20 years of experience connecting a school’s financial and compliance work with its academic priorities and daily operations. She began her career as a teacher, then spent eight years as a charter executive director before becoming CEO of Delta in 2019. At Delta, she leads a team of finance and compliance experts who provide consulting and full-service back-office support to charter school partners. Having led a school herself, Joanne understands how financial decisions and compliance responsibilities affect classroom work and the support available to students and staff.
Candice Lamarche Chief Operations Officer (COO) The California Montessori Project
Candice Lamarche is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of California Montessori Project, bringing 23 years of experience in California charter schools. A founding staff member of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) and current board member of Pacific Charter Institute (PCI), she has helped launch schools, build sustainable operations, and develop statewide leadership programs. Her experience spans school operations, human resources, strategic planning, and organizational development, including roles at CCSA, CharterSAFE, and the Charter Schools Development Center. Candice is committed to strengthening systems and teams so schools can better serve students, staff, and families.
Caitlin O'Halloran Governance and Policy Specialist Charter Schools Development Center
Caitlin O’Halloran Hellar is the Governance and Policy Specialist at CSDC. Caitlin leads CSDC's development and delivery of matters relating to governance, policy, and other charter school leadership topics. In 2004, Caitlin co-founded the Dixon Montessori Charter School (DMCS). From 2013-2022 she served on the Dixon Unified School District Governing Board which authorizes DMCS. She served one term on the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools and has been a workshop presenter at statewide educational conferences, a commentator on public radio, and the Woman of the Year for Senate District 03 in 2016.
Dr. Irene Salter Leadership Coach | Writer | Trainer Inquiring Minds
Irene Salter's mind is formidable with a PhD in neuroscience, Master's in psychology, and over two decades of leadership experience, but it's her genuine passion and heartfelt approach that sets her apart. She specializes in curating training and coaching spaces for leaders driven by passion, purpose, and people. Her clients include visionaries from numerous charter and traditional schools across the country, Disney, Google, Facebook, Verizon, government agencies, and nonprofits. She draws from neuroscience, positive psychology, and mind-body medicine to help her clients thrive, not just survive. Learn more at irenesalter.com
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