New Story Appoints New Chief Education Officer and General Counsel to Enhance Leadership

New Story's Strategic Leadership Enhancements

In a significant move to strengthen its leadership, New Story, a prominent provider of special education services, has officially welcomed two seasoned professionals into its executive team. Jeanna Pignatiello takes on the role of Chief Education Outcomes Officer, while Bill Priest steps in as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. This strategic appointment not only aims to bolster operational effectiveness but also underscores New Story's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for students across various communities.

A Focus on Outcomes

The role of Chief Education Outcomes Officer, a position introduced with Pignatiello's appointment, emphasizes New Story’s ambition to deliver measurable educational results. Jeanna brings a wealth of experience in academic strategy and operational management, having spearheaded educational programs nationwide. Previously, she served as the Regional Vice President at Catapult Learning, overseeing operations that stretched across 16 states. Her experience includes embedding quality assurance and professional development into everyday educational practices, ensuring that the students receive the best possible support.

Before her tenure at Catapult Learning, Jeanna played a pivotal role as the Chief Academic Officer at Stride. Here, she directed academic strategies for over 30 states and was instrumental in establishing national frameworks that prioritized instructional quality, social-emotional learning, and scalable programs, which ultimately contributed to improved graduation rates. At New Story, Jeanna's goal is to craft a superior academic and behavioral outcomes strategy. She aims to foster innovation in the realm of special education and provide educators with the necessary tools and frameworks to unlock their full potential.

Jeanna expressed her excitement about her new role, stating, "Throughout my career, I've been devoted to enhancing educational practices that yield significant outcomes for students. New Story stands out as a leader in the field of special education, and I am eager to collaborate with educators, families, and district partners to ensure that every child has the chance to succeed."

Reinforcing Integrity and Compliance

On the other hand, Bill Priest’s appointment as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer is designed to fortify New Story’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and trust. With over 20 years of experience leading legal and compliance functions, Bill has previously served as the Chief Compliance Officer at Acadia Healthcare, one of the largest behavioral health providers in the nation. His extensive background encompasses senior compliance and legal roles within various major health systems, arming him with a vast knowledge of governance, ethics, and risk management.

Commenting on his new role, Bill stated, "New Story's mission and values resonate deeply with me. I am thrilled to contribute to strengthening the organization’s compliance and governance framework, empowering it to grow while upholding its commitment to delivering top-notch services to students, families, and district partners."

Paving the Future

CEO Jon Bicknell highlighted the importance of these leadership roles, asserting, "These appointments are more than just filling positions; they are pivotal in shaping the future of New Story. With Bill’s extensive experience in compliance and governance, alongside Jeanna’s success in improving student outcomes at scale, we are prepared to elevate special education services nationwide."

To further bolster its leadership infrastructure, New Story is also establishing an Advisory Board on Academic Integrity, co-led by Jeanna and Dr. Beth Ackerman. This board is aimed at offering strategic insights into special education, behavioral health, and pertinent policy matters. Its creation is a proactive step towards guiding New Story's academic innovation and establishing its stature as a thought leader within the community.

About New Story

New Story stands as a premier provider of innovative special education and related services, dedicated to fostering success among children and families. By partnering with districts, New Story tailors its schools and programs to deliver high-quality, outcomes-driven education that meets the unique needs of individual students.