Joseph Colarusso

About Joseph Colarusso

I\'m a strategic education leader and former attorney with over a decade of experience building systems, leading teams, and coaching professionals across schools, nonprofits, and legal settings. My work sits at the intersection of equity, operations, and adult development—and my goal is always to drive sustainable impact through adaptive leadership and thoughtful execution.Across roles at Zeta Charter Schools, DREAM Charter High School, Citizen Schools, and Brooklyn Defender Services, I\'ve managed complex initiatives—from founding school systems to overseeing multi-million-dollar procurement strategies. I specialize in translating high-level vision into operational reality, guiding teams through ambiguity, and creating structures that empower others to lead.My leadership is shaped by a commitment to justice, informed by my legal training, and grounded in the principles of Heifetz, Brené Brown, and Elena Aguilar. I believe in building trust through vulnerability, resolving challenges with systems thinking, and coaching leaders to move from technical solutions to adaptive change.Core Strengths:• Adaptive & Servant Leadership• Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Execution• Equity-Centered Coaching & Talent Development• Operations, Compliance, and Systems Design• Project & Change Management (IT + Organizational)• Building Inclusive, Mission-Aligned TeamsI’m particularly passionate about coaching emerging leaders and supporting mission-driven organizations that are evolving their approach to equity, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Experience

1. Principal Consultant

   CTS - IT & Cybersecurity Services

   Jul 2025 — Present · New York, NY, US

   As a Principal Consultant at Charter Technology Solutions (CTS), I help mission-driven organizations build and scale secure, resilient IT ecosystems. I lead full-cycle consultative sales for our end-to-end managed service model—which includes network and infrastructure design, procurement and deployment, 24/7 remote support, onsite technician staffing, and cybersecurity-as-a-service.My role combines strategic advisory with solution architecture and business development. I collaborate cross-functionally with CTOs, COOs, and school leaders to design right-sized solutions that align with organizational priorities and compliance mandates like E-rate. From first conversation to signed contract, I quarterback the process—identifying opportunities, shaping customized proposals, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring seamless handoff to delivery teams.We specialize in environments where operational simplicity, funding constraints, and student impact matter. Whether helping a single campus modernize its wireless infrastructure or supporting a fast-growing charter network in standardizing IT practices, I work to ensure our partnerships are built on trust, clarity, and measurable value.Let’s connect if you’re seeking an MSP that doesn’t just respond to tickets, but proactively strengthens your technology foundation—so you can stay focused on your mission.

Education

• Pace University

  Trans. B, Teaching

  2008 — 2010

• American University

  BS, Philosophy, Political Science

  2004 — 2008

• St. John's University School of Law

  JD

  2010 — 2013

Skills

• Customer Service
• Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Public Policy
• Lexis
• Research
• Community Outreach
• Courts
• Legislative Relations
• Powerpoint
• Nonprofits
• Management
• Politics
• Interviews
• Event Planning
• Fundraising
• Teaching
• Time Management
• Editing
• Legal Research
• Training
• Microsoft Word
• Legal Writing
• International Relations
• Policy Analysis
• Public Speaking
• Lexisnexis