Dr. Lazaro Lopez

Dr. Lazaro Lopez serves as Chair of the Illinois Community College Board, Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at High School District 214, and Youth Apprenticeship Chair for the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board. Dr. Lopez has been featured in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Profiles of Change and Achieving Tomorrow series and recognized as the Illinois Principal of the Year for his efforts to ensure economic mobility in his school community.

Lopez has prioritized the state’s community college agency on the seamless transition of students, workforce development, and institutional effectiveness. As Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at High School District 214 in Arlington Heights, IL, Dr. Lopez oversees all academic programs serving over 12,000 students at six comprehensive high schools, each one recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best High Schools.” High School District 214 has led the national Redefining Ready campaign acknowledging students’ need to graduate high school with a path to economic mobility. As a result, all students at District 214 identify a career pathway of interest, participate in as many as 3,000 work-based learning experiences annually, and more than 85% of graduates complete early college general education and career-related courses.

Dr. Lopez has served as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate educational leadership program at Roosevelt University and the education doctoral program at Aurora University. He speaks statewide and nationally as an advocate for relevancy in schools, business partnerships, and career pathways. Prior to his leadership in education, Dr.  Lopez served as a training non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, a small-business owner, and a corporate trainer. Dr. Lopez earned his Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Aurora University (2010), a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Roosevelt University (2004), and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication and English from Illinois State University (1998). 

Term Expires: June 30, 2025