Cassie Zimmer is a capacity-building leader and performance partner. She has previously served as the Managing Director, Chief of Staff at Teach For America San Diego, where she was responsible for driving the region’s strategy, talent, operations, development, and regional partnerships. Prior to joining TFA-SD, Cassie designed and founded KIPP Ignite Academy, a public elementary school in Los Angeles. As the founding school leader, Cassie was responsible for the overall academic program and management of the school. She was responsible for keeping the school focused on realizing its mission, enhancing the school’s culture, and upholding its values, as well as supporting, guiding, and developing teachers in their pursuit of teaching excellence. Prior to the Fisher Fellowship, Cassie was an Assistant School Leader at KIPP Comienza Community Prep and a former Leadership Team participant with the KIPP School Leadership Programs. Cassie received her doctorate in Organizational Innovation from National University. Cassie dual majored in Political Theory and Social Relations at Michigan State University and received a M.A. in Urban Education at Loyola Marymount University.