Educational Leadership & School Improvement Expert

Dr. Kevin J. O'Mara

*** ******** ******, *** ****, Illinois 60304

708-***-**** *.*****@*******.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Accomplished educator and academic leader with extensive experience in K–12 and higher education, specializing in educational leadership, curriculum development, and organizational change. Proven success in mentoring graduate students, developing practitioner-focused academic programs, and contributing to institutional improvement through research-informed teaching and service. Passionate about preparing future school leaders and fostering inclusive learning environments. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Appointed to provide fiscal oversight and ensure responsible financial management for District 187, North Chicago, IL, as part of the state-appointed panel. Illinois State Board of Education 2025 – Present Finance Oversight Panel

School Board Member

District 187, North Chicago, IL

2025 – Present

• Appointed by the Illinois State Board of Education to oversee School Board fiscal management as part of the Financial Oversight Panel. President

School Exec Connect, Oak Park, IL

2018 – Present

• Provide consultancy services to public school districts to identify and recruit effective school leaders.

Associate Professor & Program Leader

Concordia University, River Forest, IL

August 2017 – Present

• Teach graduate and doctoral-level courses in Educational Leadership, School District Finances, Policy, and School Improvement.

• Design and assess course curricula aligned with national leadership standards (e.g., NELP, PSEL).

• Supervise doctoral dissertations and mentor candidates in research methods and capstone projects.

• Lead accreditation efforts and program evaluation aligned with CAEP/ISBE standards.

• Serve on departmental and university-wide committees focused on curriculum, diversity, and academic integrity.

• Present regularly at education leadership conferences and contribute to practitioner-oriented publications.

President/Executive Director

Illinois High School District Organization, Springfield, IL July 2009 – November 2017

• Led the organization representing over 1.6 million secondary students in Illinois. Superintendent

Argo Community High School, Summit, IL

2008 – 2017

• Directed district-wide policies, staff development, and community engagement.

• Spearheaded initiatives for long-term strategic planning, educational program optimization, and fiscal management.

Principal

Ridgewood High School, Cook County District 234, Norridge, IL 2003 – 2008

• Developed a five-year strategic plan and led community-wide school improvement initiatives.

• Recruited and mentored over 75% of the certified staff, improving teaching standards and student outcomes.

Assistant Principal

Ridgewood High School, Cook County District 234, Norridge, IL 2001 – 2003

• Managed class schedules, cumulative records, and special education programs. Dean of Students

West Leyden High School, Northlake, IL

1994 – 2001

• Authored the district’s Code of Conduct and supervised summer school operations. Teacher of Mathematics & Department Chair

West Leyden High School, Northlake, IL

1991 – 1994

• Directed department operations for a team of 22 educators. EDUCATION

• Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Concordia University (2008) Dissertation: “The impact of di4ering schedules on Mathematics Achievement”

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Administration Concordia University, River Forest, IL, 1996

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics

Rosary College, River Forest, IL, 1991

COMPETENCIES & AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Educational Leadership

• Higher Education Instruction

• Curriculum & Assessment Design

• Accreditation & Program Evaluation

• Online & Hybrid Course Delivery

• Student Mentorship & Advising

• DEI in Education

• Strategic Planning

• Catholic & Mission-Aligned Leadership

• Research-Based Instruction

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• President, Illinois High School District Organization

• Member, Illinois Principals’ Association

• Member, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

• Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

• Member, National Association of Secondary School Principals

• Member, Horace Mann League of the United States

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Sallie Mae Award, Outstanding First-Year Teacher (1992, Nationally awarded to 1 of 100 educators)

• Rosary College GOLD Award, Graduate of the Last Decade (1995)

• Fulbright Foundation Administrator Exchange, U.S. State Department (2008, Posted to Argentina)

• Member, Illinois Senate Taskforce on Suspensions/Expulsions

• Member, Governor-Elect Pritzker’s Education Transition Committee REFERENCES

• Dr. Paul Sims, Department Chair, Concordia University Chicago

• Mr. Emanuel Chris Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives

• Mr. Terrence Pappas, President, Argo School District 217 Board of Education

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