Kali McKnight M.

About Kali McKnight M.

15+ years leading national people operations, talent development, and diversity strategy. Experienced in designing and facilitating learning experiences for staff and executive leaders. Recognized by Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40. Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instruction Leadership Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and SociologyPassionate about:• Strategic Planning & Vision Setting• People Operations & HR • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy• Inclusive Recruitment, Selection & Talent Acquisition Processes • Employee Relations, Retention & Culture• Training & Leadership Development• Professional Development Facilitation• Onboarding, Coaching & Mentorship• Strategic Partnerships

Experience

1. Managing Director, Leadership Development Operations

   Teach For America

   Aug 2024 — Present

   As the Managing Director, Leadership Development Operations, I lead the operational strategy, systems design, and logistical execution that power high-quality leadership development for Corps Members across diverse regional contexts. My work ensures that coaches, regional teams, and program partners have the tools, structures, and data needed to deliver exceptional support to emerging teacher-leaders.In this role, I set the end-to-end operational vision for Pre-Service and summer teaching practicum, manage large-scale virtual and in-person Equity Driven Teaching & Learning Summits, and maintain the systems that enable efficient, equitable Corps Member support. I partner closely with Senior MDs, MDLDs, and cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, monitor resource utilization, and steward program budgets.Key contributions include:• Leading operations and logistics across multiple regions, ensuring cohesive systems, inclusive experiences, and seamless execution.• Translating program vision into action through detailed project planning, team coordination, and continuous improvement of operational systems.• Monitoring data, utilization trends, and resource effectiveness to inform coaching supports and enterprise decision-making.• Managing and supporting Operations team members while driving lateral collaboration across national and regional teams.• Facilitating DEI-centered learning spaces and contributing to a thriving, connected Leadership Development community.This work supports Teach For America’s mission by strengthening the systems, efficiency, and experiences that help develop future systems-change leaders in service of educational equity.

Education

• Tennessee State University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Psychology

  2005 — 2007

• University at Buffalo

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Psychology/Sociology

  2007 — 2009

• Saint Leo University

  Master of Education - MEd, Instructional Leadership

  2013 — 2015