Leroy Gaines is Executive Director at New Leadership Council. Previous to this he served nearly a decade as principal at Acorn Woodland Elementary School in Oakland Unified School District. He received his Masters in Educational Leadership at Columbia University’s Teachers College, and his undergraduate degree in Africana Studies at Bowdoin College.

In 2014 he was recognized by Our Family Coalition for his leadership implementing the Welcoming Schools curriculum at Acorn Woodland, and shining a light as an advocate for inclusive and just schooling for all children and their families.