Allison Sussna

Chief Schools Officer 

As CICS' Chief of Schools, Dr. Allison Sussna's primary responsibility is to ensure significant student achievement is gained and measured by student outcomes and school improvement data to support the network’s school leaders.

Allison has spent her career building academic systems that promote equity and maintain a laser focus on the instructional core, ensuring all students have access to a rigorous, high-quality education. She previously served as the Principal Officer of Donald J. Marquez K-8 Charter School located in Brighton Park. Prior to this position, Dr. Hansen partnered with Washington, D.C. Public Schools where she was a member of the Principal Effectiveness Team and analyzed, trained, supported and retained excellent school leaders.

Allison has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and an M.S.Ed in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and graduated with a B.A. in European History from Northwestern University. When not on campus, in the office, or in a Zoom meeting, Allison can be found sharing a meal with family and friends, singing along to her favorite musical theater songs, or reading historical novels, preferably on a beach.

Why do you work at CICS?: As a lifelong learner, Allison believes deeply in CICS’ commitment to consistently and relentlessly improving the work to support schools, always centering on the students, families and communities we are honored to serve.