Benjamin Carson

Chief Financial Officer

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Professional Overview

Benjamin Carson is an experienced finance executive with a strong background in charter school operations and development. As the Chief Financial Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, he oversees the organization's financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting, contributing to its growth and sustainability. With expertise in charter school financing, facilities management, and data-driven decision-making, Carson is a versatile leader dedicated to supporting high-quality public education.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Chief Financial Officer, Rocketship Public Schools (2024-07-01 to Present)

Responsible for managing the financial operations and strategic planning for Rocketship Public Schools, a network of high-performing charter schools

Oversees budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring financial accountability and alignment with the organization's mission and growth objectives

Collaborates with the executive team to identify and implement cost-saving measures, optimize resource allocation, and secure funding for new initiatives

Executive Director - Launchpad Development, Rocketship Public Schools (2022-07-01 to Present)

Leads the organization's facilities planning and development efforts, including site selection, construction, and renovation projects

Leverages data and industry best practices to drive efficient and cost-effective real estate strategies that support Rocketship's expansion

Career Progression

Finance and Construction Advisory, Self-employed (2021-01-01 to 2022-07-01)

Provided strategic financial and construction advisory services to charter schools and education-focused non-profit organizations

Chief Financial Officer, Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (2015-11-01 to 2021-04-01)

Oversaw the financial operations and strategic planning for this network of high-performing charter schools in New Jersey

Implemented data-driven budgeting and reporting processes, resulting in improved financial management and cost-savings

Played a key role in the organization's growth and replication efforts, including the opening of new school campuses

Deputy Director, Charter School Financing, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) (2014-07-01 to 2015-11-01)

Assisted charter schools in securing financing for facility projects and expansions, leveraging LISC's expertise and resources

Data Strategy, KIPP: San Antonio (2013-01-01 to 2014-01-01)

Developed and implemented data-driven strategies to support the growth and performance of this high-performing charter school network

Founder, Great Oaks Foundation (2011-01-01 to 2013-01-01)

Co-founded a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development and success of charter schools

Co-founder, Great Oaks Charter School (2010-10-01 to 2011-08-01)

Played a key role in the founding and launch of this charter school in New York City

Statistician - Charter School Office, New York City Department of Education (2009-05-01 to 2010-08-01)

Analyzed data and provided insights to support the charter school authorization and oversight processes in New York City

Academic Background

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Columbia University

Concentration in Finance and Entrepreneurship

Bachelor of Science (BS), Statistics, University of Chicago

Areas of Expertise

Charter school finance and operations

Facilities planning and development

Data-driven decision-making and analysis

Strategic planning and organizational growth

Budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting

Fundraising and grant management

Professional Impact

Instrumental in the growth and financial sustainability of multiple high-performing charter school networks, including Great Oaks Legacy Charter School and Rocketship Public Schools

Leveraged data and industry best practices to drive efficient and cost-effective real estate strategies, supporting the expansion of Rocketship Public Schools

Played a key role in the founding and development of several charter schools and non-profit organizations, contributing to the advancement of public education

Conclusion

With his extensive experience in charter school finance, operations, and development, Benjamin Carson is a strategic and data-driven leader committed to supporting the growth and success of high-quality public education. As the Chief Financial Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, he continues to make significant contributions to the organization's financial stability and expansion, while also driving innovative real estate solutions that enable the delivery of exceptional