Our Leadership
Passionate. Innovative. Dedicated.
At IDEA, we invest in people who bring 100% every day and are motivated to inspire others to believe in themselves and do their best work. We currently have leadership teams overseeing our district-wide, regional, and board operations.
JoAnn Gama
Co-Founder
Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent
JoAnn Gama was born and raised in the north side of Houston. After graduating from Sam Houston High School in 1993, JoAnn attended Boston University on a full scholarship.
Phillip Garza
Chief College and Diversity Officer
Phillip is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where he studied music and art history. The first in his family to graduate from college, Phillip knows the value proposition of an undergraduate degree.
Sam Goessling
Chief Advancement Officer
Sam is a graduate of the University of Richmond, the Harvard Graduate School of Education (M.A.), and the University of Texas at Austin (Ph.D.). He joined IDEA’s founding teaching team at IDEA Quest College Prep where he taught 6th grade.
Dolores Gonzalez
Chief Program Officer
Dolores is a Texas native, and was raised throughout the state of Texas until she and her family ultimately settled in Kingsville.
Irma Munoz
Chief Operating Officer
Irma Muñoz was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She graduated from the University of California at Davis, and from Harvard University’s School of Government.
Martin Winchester
Chief Human Assets Officer
Martin serves as the Chief Human Assets Officer
at IDEA Public Schools, leading the
organization’s strategic efforts in recruitment,
staffing, professional development, talent management, compensation and benefits,
and retention.
Lisa T. Garza
Chief Schools Officer
As Chief Schools Officer, Lisa leads IDEA Public Schools’ vision and strategy to ensure all students graduate college ready and our schools earn an “A” Rating. The Chief Schools Officer manages Executive Directors and Regional Superintendents and is responsible for setting and embodying IDEA culture in our schools.
Leanne Hernandez
Acting Co-Chief Financial Officer
Carlo Hershberger
Acting Co-Chief Financial Officer
Founder and CEO Emeritus
Upon graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in economics in 1997, Tom joined Teach For America and taught fourth grade in Donna, Texas for three years, after which he successfully launched the IDEA Academy in 2000, serving as the first board president and founding principal.
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