Joanne Ahola is the Senior Director of Operations California Montessori Project (CMP)

In this role, Joanne oversees Human Resources, Payroll, Student Services, and Accounts Payable for the CMP network. Prior to the Fellowship, Joanne served in multiple capacities over 7-years with the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA). As the Managing Director, of Northern California Local Advocacy for the CCSA, she was responsible for working closely with teams of charter school operators, community partner organizations, and district and county elected officials to enhance policy and influence the political landscape. While at the CCSA, Joanne also served as the Director, of Political Engagement, where she was responsible for developing and supporting a network of Political Action Committees (PACs) across California to elect candidates to local school boards. Lastly, also while at CCSA, Joanne served as a Parent Organizer where she was proud to work alongside and teach families how to advocate for their students before their elected school boards. Joanne was elected to the Sacramento County Board of Education in 2016 and was reelected in 2020.