Vanessa Rodriguez is the president and CEO of NYC Outward Bound Schools, which operates a citywide network of public schools in partnership with the New York City Department of Education. Prior to her current role, she was interim CEO of Citizens of the World Charter Schools.

Rodriguez previously served as the chief talent officer for Newark Public Schools in Newark, N.J., where she led the implementation of a groundbreaking pay-for-performance teacher contract. She was also CEO of District 79 Alternative Schools and Programs for the New York City Department of Education, a citywide network that supports more than 65,000 disengaged, over-aged, and under-credited students. In addition, her professional experience includes roles as national director of recruitment and admissions for New Leaders and various positions with Teach For America, including leadership roles in Houston and New York City.

Rodriguez began her education career as a bilingual elementary school teacher in the Bronx and as the school chapter leader for the United Federation of Teachers. She is a member of the first cohort of the Future Chiefs leadership development program.