Senior Leadership

Dr. Tina Chekan
CEO/Superintendent, Propel Schools & Propel Schools Foundation

Dr. Tina Chekan serves as the CEO/Superintendent of Propel Schools and Propel Schools Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ball State University, a Master of Education in Deaf Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a K-12 Principal Certification from Gannon University. She recently earned her doctorate in Administration and Policy at the University of Pittsburgh. She began her career with Propel Schools in 2003 as a kindergarten teacher at the Propel Homestead site. Since then, she has served as a Literacy Coach, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. Under her leadership as Principal of Propel McKeesport, she received three Effective Practice Incentive Community Awards from the national organization, New Leaders for New Schools. Prior to her career at Propel, she was a teacher in the Wilkinsburg School District and Behavioral Therapist at Pressley Ridge.

Teresa O'Neill
Assistant Superintendent

Teresa O’Neill joined the Propel team in 2005 and served as an educator, literacy coach, coordinator of curriculum and instruction, pod director, and senior director of K-8 Schools. While serving as the literacy coach at Propel McKeesport, Ms. O’Neill’s team won the Effective Practice Incentive Community (EPIC) Award three consecutive years for improving student achievement. She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, her Masters of Education from California University of Pennsylvania, and her district-wide supervisory certificate from the University of Pittsburgh.

Beth Wright
Chief Financial Officer, Propel Schools/ Propel Schools Foundation
 

Beth Wright oversees the Business Office of Propel Schools and the accounting for the Propel Schools Foundation. Beth joined the Propel team in 2018 as the Controller/Director of Finance. Before that, Beth worked as a manager of general ledger accounting for a publicly held company after ten years in public accounting. Her public accounting work primarily focused on auditing and compliance reporting for non-profit entities serving the Pittsburgh region. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh in finance. She has been a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Pennsylvania since 2009.

Constance Murray
Senior Director, Propel Schools Foundation

Constance Murray is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 25 years of progressive experience in leadership and development. Before joining the Propel Schools Foundation, Ms. Murray served as Executive Director of Development for Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, where she developed, executed, and evaluated strategies and programs to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward foundation, corporate and individual gift prospects. She held positions as Director of Development at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, and Director of Special Events at the American Cancer Society. Ms. Murray has successfully completed capital campaigns, which raised $46 million for the Hillman Cancer Center, $5 million for the Pittsburgh Mercy Family Health Center, and $3 million for the Mercy Burn Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chatham University, where she majored in Economics and minored in Marketing.

Sonya Meadows 
Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Enrollment  

Sonya Meadows joined the Propel team in January 2018. She works to position Propel as an innovative leader in public education and oversees our enrollment efforts. Before Propel, Ms. Meadows was the spokesperson for the City of Pittsburgh Public Safety Department, the Communication Director for the successful campaign of Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto, Executive Director of Governor Ed Rendell’s African American Advisory Commission, and Communications Director for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. Ms. Meadows has numerous awards from her time as a Pittsburgh-based journalist. She earned a BA in Journalism and Communications at Point Park University and continues her education at Smartly Institute.

Pat Coyle, Senior Director of 6-12 Schools | Pat Coyle served as a Propel principal for three years before taking the position of Senior Director of 6-12 Schools. In addition to his service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine, Mr. Coyle has 11 years of secondary experience in New York City and Washington D.C., where he built upon his foundational beliefs in social justice, equity and democratic education. He holds a Master of Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, where he also taught courses on curriculum and pedagogy. He is currently completing his dissertation at George Washington University on the creation of the democratic school.

Danielle Parson, Senior Director of Community Affairs Danielle Parson joined Propel Schools in October 2017. As Senior Director of Community Affairs, she works to ensure Propel maintains a healthy and collaborative relationship with all of the communities it serves. Before Propel, she served as the Director of Communications for ACHIEVA, a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Ms. Parson takes great interest in her community. She currently serves on the board for the Boys Scouts of America Laurel Highlands Council, working solely with scouts in under-served communities. Ms. Parson is a Chicago native and graduate of The University of Illinois’ College of Communications.

Jaclyn Hoover, Senior Director of Human Resources | Jaclyn Hoover, a member of the Propel team since 2015, oversees a range of human resources duties in her role as Senior Director of Human Resources, including benefits, employee relations, and support, implementing new HR information systems, HR-related training and FMLA administration. Prior to Propel, she worked for Education Management Corporation. Ms. Hoover graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in business with a minor in human resources. She holds an MBA and Juris Doctor from Duquesne University.