Delegates at the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) 17th Triennial Constitutional Convention have elected a new national leadership team. The convention, held in July 2025, marked a leadership transition aimed at increasing advocacy and organizing efforts for school leaders and students across the country.
Mark Cannizzaro, former president of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1 in New York City, was chosen as National President. According to the announcement, “Mark Cannizzaro, a veteran union leader and former president of CSA, AFSA Local 1 in New York City, was elected National President of AFSA. Widely respected for his political savvy, deep policy knowledge, and steady leadership, Cannizzaro has built a career addressing the most complex challenges facing school administrators—particularly in high-pressure urban districts. A skilled contract negotiator and coalition builder, he is known for crafting practical, student-centered solutions that empower school leaders and strengthen public education nationwide.”
Donis Coronel from AFSA Local 134 in San Diego will serve as Executive Vice President. The statement described her as follows: “Joining him as Executive Vice President is Donis Coronel of AFSA Local 134 in San Diego. A dedicated and experienced organizer, Coronel has worked tirelessly to ensure school leaders have a voice in every forum where decisions are made. From contract bargaining to legislative advocacy, she has spent her career empowering principals, assistant principals, and district administrators—often organizing from the ground up to build collective power.”
Karl Perry from AFSA Local 25 in Baltimore was named Secretary-Treasurer. The release noted that “Karl Perry, of AFSA Local 25 in Baltimore, was elected Secretary-Treasurer. A skilled administrator, Perry successfully reorganized and grew Local 25 into one of the strongest voices for school leaders in the region. He brings a deep, personal commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of administrators. Throughout his career, he has championed improved working conditions, stronger safety standards, and equitable support systems—ensuring that school leaders can focus on student success without sacrificing their own wellness.”
Sixteen General Vice Presidents were also elected to join AFSA’s General Executive Board. This board oversees union activities between conventions and includes representatives from various regions and backgrounds.
The leadership change comes as public education faces multiple challenges nationwide such as student mental health issues, staffing shortages, financial pressures on schools, and adapting to new technologies.
The convention also recognized outgoing national officers Leonard Pugliese (President) and Lauran Waters-Cherry (Executive Vice President), acknowledging their years of service that contributed to expanding AFSA’s influence.
Newly elected General Vice Presidents include Brian Galbraith (Association of Supervisory & Administrative School Personnel), Carey Cunningham (St. Louis Association of School Administrators), Caroline Satoda (United Administrators of San Francisco), Carver Farrow (St. Thomas/St. John Educational Administrators’ Association), Christine Handy (Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals), Clarence Allen (City Association of School Administrators), Diane Hauser (Boston Association of Supervisors and Administrators), Elda Perez-Mejia (Yonkers Council of Administrators), Fran DiFiore (Connecticut State Federation of School Administrators), Henry Rubio (Council of School Administrators), Jody Covington (Buffalo Council of School Administrators), Kia Banks (Chicago Principals’ Association), Luis Orengo (Educadores Puertorriqueños en Acción), Moira Coogan (Denver School Leaders Association), Richard Jackson (Council of School Officers), and Victor Cristofaro (The Hartford Principals’ and Supervisors’ Association).
