Dr. Diane Pappas

Diane H. Pappas is a nationally recognized executive leader with extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex organizations. She currently advises K–12 districts, state education agencies, and companies on technology, education, and publishing. Pappas held several executive roles at the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second-largest school district, where she led the turnaround of the My Integrated Student Information System (MiSiS) with a budget of $177 million and resolved a 23-year federal court consent decree on special education services and school accessibility. Appointed Senior Advisor to the Superintendent in 2018, she managed LAUSD divisions encompassing over 8,000 employees. Her divisions included Information Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, Bond Programs, School Operations, and more. Pappas served on the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet, ensuring wise investments and operational efficiency for student success. She previously spent 10 years in LAUSD’s Office of General Counsel, managing legal teams, budgets, and high-profile investigations. A champion for children’s rights, she has authored 18 children's books and contributed to establishing the LAUSD Education Foundation and LA Fund for Public Education. Pappas holds a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law, a School Business Management Certificate from USC, and is an active member of the California State Bar.