Andrea Castañeda is the Superintendent of Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Oregon’s second-largest school district. In just two years of leadership, she has helped guide the district to its first academic growth since the pandemic, fostering renewed momentum and optimism for students and staff alike.

With nearly 25 years of experience spanning district and state leadership, Andrea has served as Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, and Interim Chief Talent Officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and as Deputy Commissioner of Education in Rhode Island. Her diverse background—covering academics, operations, finance, talent, and policy—reflects her belief that equity and excellence must work hand in hand.

Andrea holds a master’s in Education Policy from Harvard University and a bachelor’s from Brown University. She is a proud Chiefs for Change member, Broad Superintendent Academy graduate, and Transcend and Pahara Fellow.

A lifelong advocate for public education and dual-language learning, Andrea embodies the ALAS values of leadership, service, and community. She lives in Salem, Oregon, with her husband, their beloved pets, and a garden that grows almost as abundantly as her passion for helping every child thrive.