APS Appoints Several New Employees

The following employees are joining APS in a new role. Please give them a warm welcome.

Mr. Jorge Velázquez was appointed as Budget Director in the Department of Business and Management Services, effective July 16, 2025. Mr. Velázquez brings over two decades of experience in public sector finance, international economic development, and strategic budget management.

Since joining APS in 2011, Mr. Velázquez has served in progressively senior roles, most recently as Senior Budget Analyst in the Department of Finance. In this capacity, he has played a central role in the development and oversight of APS’s $845 million operating budget, multi-year financial planning, and school-level budget allocations. His work has supported critical decision-making through detailed financial analysis, policy recommendations, and close collaboration with school and department leaders.

Mr. Velázquez’s previous roles at APS include serving as a Grants Analyst in the Department of Teaching and Learning and as an Account Specialist for Title I, where he managed millions in federal and state education funds and ensured compliance with grant requirements and reporting standards.

His experience extends beyond education finance, having held roles such as Commercial Attaché at the Bolivian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Financial Officer for a U.S.-based international trade firm. Earlier in his career, he served as Interim Director of Trade Analysis and Export Development for Bolivia’s Department of International Trade and Investment, where he led economic planning, trade strategy, and multilateral negotiations.

Mr. Velázquez holds an MBA in Finance (with honors) from George Mason University and a Master’s in International Economic Relations from the University of Mayor of San Andrés in Bolivia, where he graduated first in his class. He also holds a B.S. in Economics and International Trade from EMI.

With a deep commitment to fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and public service, Mr. Velázquez is well-positioned to lead the district’s budget office in support of APS’s educational mission.

Mr. Jeremy Speikes was appointed as Assistant Director of Finance in the Department of Business and Management Services, effective July 23, 2025. Mr. Speikes brings over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in public sector budgeting, capital planning, financial operations, and strategic analysis.

Most recently, Mr. Speikes served as Budget Officer for the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the $1.2 billion budget planning process for DC Public Schools. He has also held leadership roles at George Washington University, where he served as Finance Director for the Graduate School of Education and Human Development, and at the District’s Office of Budget and Planning, where he managed capital budgets for multiple agencies.

His career spans both government and private sectors, including roles at Deloitte Consulting and Johnson & Johnson. Throughout his career, Mr. Speikes has been recognized for building high-performing teams, driving process improvements, and aligning financial planning with strategic priorities.

Mr. Speikes holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Science in Management from The Catholic University of America, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Howard University, where he graduated magna cum laude.

Ms. Brandy Ellard was appointed as Assistant Director of Safety, Security and Emergency Management, effective August 1, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in safety, emergency preparedness, and public safety operations, Ms. Ellard brings a deep commitment to protecting school communities through proactive planning, strategic leadership, and cross-agency collaboration.

Most recently, Ms. Ellard served as Director of Emergency Management and Safety at the University of Mary Washington, where she led campus-wide safety operations, launched innovative risk reduction programs, and oversaw compliance with federal and state safety regulations. Her leadership included modernizing emergency communication systems, conducting threat assessments, and advancing campus-wide preparedness initiatives.

Ms. Ellard’s career spans leadership roles in both higher education and K–12 environments, including Fairfax County Public Schools, where she managed safety and emergency protocols for one of the nation’s largest school divisions. Her experience also includes roles with Fairfax County Government, George Mason University, and federal agencies, where she specialized in regulatory compliance, risk management, and emergency response coordination.

Ms. Ellard holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, a Master’s in Safety and Environmental Management from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Communications. She is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), a Professional Emergency Manager (VaPEM), and is actively pursuing board certifications in protection and intelligence.

Ms. Ellard’s broad expertise and strong leadership background make her a valuable asset in strengthening school safety and emergency management efforts across the division.

Dr. Megan Lynch was appointed as Principal of Taylor Elementary School, effective July 16, 2025. Dr. Lynch brings nearly two decades of experience as a dedicated, student-centered educational leader. Throughout her career, Dr. Lynch has focused on advancing instructional excellence and supporting multilingual learners, fostering inclusive and high-achieving school communities.

Most recently, Dr. Lynch served as Assistant Principal at Nottingham Elementary School, where she played a vital role in overseeing daily school operations, fostering a positive and inclusive school culture, and aligning school initiatives with the division’s strategic plan. Prior to that, she was the English Learner Lead Teacher at Kenmore Middle School, where she led instructional improvements for English learners, contributed to master scheduling, and collaborated with George Mason University on innovative projects that enhanced outcomes for both pre-service teachers and English Learner students.

Dr. Lynch began her career as an ESOL teacher at Osbourn Park High School, where she co-taught Advanced Placement courses, mentored students through the college admissions process, and provided professional development for staff.

Dr. Lynch holds a Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy from George Mason University, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction for Foreign Language Education from the University of Virginia, and a B.S. in Secondary Education from Indiana University. Dr. Lynch brings a strong commitment to equity, collaboration, and high-quality instruction to her new role as Principal of Taylor Elementary School.

Ms. MaryClare Moller was appointed as Assistant Principal at Campbell Elementary School, effective July 16, 2025. Ms. Moller brings over 18 years of experience in education, with a strong background in literacy instruction, instructional leadership, and family engagement. Most recently, she served as the Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach at Abingdon Elementary, where she led school-wide literacy initiatives, supported instructional planning through data analysis, and coordinated multiple school programs, including Title I and family engagement efforts.

Prior to that, Ms. Moller worked as a Title I Specialist in the Department of Teaching and Learning, supporting systemwide grant implementation, compliance, and professional development. She also held long-standing leadership roles at Carlin Springs Elementary, including English Language Arts Lead Teacher and Instructional Lead Teacher, where she was instrumental in driving instructional improvement and building staff capacity.

Ms. Moller holds a Postgraduate Endorsement in Educational Leadership from Longwood University, a Master of Science in Reading from Wheelock College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts and Elementary Education. Her deep commitment to student success, equity, and instructional excellence makes her a strong addition to the Campbell Elementary leadership team.