Derick T. Spaulding is the Chief Executive Officer of the AECI Charter Schools Network.  Derick assumed this role in May 2020 after serving on the AECI Board of Trustees since 2016. Derick brings more than 17 years of education leadership experience to the AECI Network. In his previous role as Senior Director of Leadership Development with the Leadership Academy, Derick worked with school systems across the country to build school and district leadership capacity. Derick facilitated continuous adult learning for current and aspiring principals, principal supervisors, and superintendents to increase their capacity as systems level leaders and school building administrators. Derick started his career as a middle school math and science teacher in New York. His commitment to serving students in the under-served and under-resourced Bronx community he was raised, inspired him to pursue a career in school leadership and eventually become founding principal of Emolior Academy middle school. Derick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The State University at Albany and graduate degrees in Educational Leadership from City College University and Baruch College respectively. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy at Fordham University.

“I am honored and energized to lead our Network of schools which has an important impact on the career and college readiness of students in the South Bronx where I was raised and still call home.

Hector Rodriguez has served the AECI Charter Schools Network with dedication and distinction for over 14 years, and in December 2022, he was appointed as the Network’s Human Resource Director. As a Bronx native, Hector began his journey at AECI 1 in 2010 as a School Aide. His drive and commitment to the organization quickly propelled him into leadership roles, including Administrative Assistant to the Principal and later Director of Operations. In these positions, Hector oversaw enrollment, recruitment, building management, school finance, and accounting, establishing systems that aligned with AECI’s mission and goals for operational excellence.

In his current role as Human Resource Director, Hector is responsible for overseeing the Network’s HR systems, employee relations, regulatory compliance, staffing assessments, training programs, and compensation plans. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the AECI Network attracts, develops, and retains top talent while maintaining a positive and supportive work environment. Hector’s leadership is guided by a strong belief in balancing the needs of employees with the demands of the Network, contributing to a culture of safety, satisfaction, and professional growth.

Hector earned his undergraduate degree from Stonehill College in 2009 and a graduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Mercy College in 2022. Deeply committed to the mission of AECI, Hector views the Network as his second home and extended family. His passion and experience continue to drive the growth and success of the AECI Network’s staff and operations.

Lauren Quigley serves as the Post-Secondary Director the AECI Charter Schools Network. In this capacity, Lauren oversees the Network’s efforts to ensure that students are fully prepared for life beyond high school, whether that involves attending college, pursuing vocational training, or entering the workforce. Her work includes designing comprehensive post-secondary programs, collaborating with school counselors, building partnerships with higher education institutions, and creating initiatives to support students and families during the college and career planning process. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Long Island University’s Graduate School of Education. Before joining AECI in 2020, she spent over 10 years as a College Counselor in schools across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, helping students create personalized post-secondary plans. She also served as the Associate Director of Admissions at a private college in Manhattan, where she gained valuable insights into higher education admissions. Lauren’s passion for post-secondary counseling stems from her own college experience. Having attended a high school without a college counselor, she and her father—who attended college for one semester but did not complete his degree—navigated the process together, writing essays and filling out applications without formal guidance. This personal experience inspired her to pursue a career where she could ensure no student feels unsupported during such a critical time in their lives. As Post-Secondary Director, Lauren remains deeply committed to her mission of empowering students to achieve their goals with confidence and clarity. Her leadership continues to shape programs that open doors for students and equip them with the tools they need for success in college, career, and beyond.