The Consortium will go into the new school year welcoming a new staff member, Aaron E. Johnson, Ed.D. An educational leader with 23 years of experience in multiple school districts across our region, Dr. Johnson is joining us as Chief Strategy Officer. He’ll be working across all Consortium programs as well as on data and assessment and overall organizational strategy.
“We’re delighted to have Aaron on board,” said Executive Director Mary Kay Babyak. “He’s a seasoned administrator who brings us the perspective and depth of experience of someone who has worked in four different districts, each with its own set of strengths and challenges. He’ll be an invaluable asset to us and the educators in our network.”
A native of McKeesport, where the Consortium was founded and is based, Dr. Johnson said he’d long appreciated the organization’s work, particularly in under-resourced districts. “The Consortium has brought schools in its network so much support and so many opportunities. I look forward to helping strengthen and expand their work.”
Most recently, Dr. Johnson served as Secondary Associate Principal of Steel Valley Middle School. Among other responsibilities, he worked on staff development, curriculum review, and facilitated relationships with community organizations. He also served as liaison to EdLeaders Pittsburgh, a small network of districts that the Consortium supports in collaborating to address similar challenges.
In addition to Steel Valley, he previously held posts in Wilkinsburg, Gateway, and McKeesport Area school districts, where he began his career as a Learning Support teacher and later became Assistant Principal of McKeesport Area High School.
When he’s not in the office, Dr. Johnson said he enjoys spending time with his family, likes to take road trips, and loves fishing and the outdoors. He’s also an Adjunct Professor at Chatham University, is active in some community organizations, and participates in a men’s book club that focuses on Black history, culture, and literature. He’s an avid reader of the late Martin Luther King’s writings.
Dr. Johnson holds a doctorate in Administrative and Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; an M.Ed. in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh; and a B.A. in Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
