Dr. Roberto Padilla is the Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District in Newburgh, New York. From humble beginnings as a child, Padilla learned early on in his life the true meaning of resiliency and grit. He is a life-long educator having been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, coach, professor and leadership consultant. Even today, he considers himself a teacher who just happens to be a superintendent.

Padilla was a teacher and principal in New York City. He is widely recognized for his leadership in turning around failing schools and supporting school district leaders both nationally and internationally on change leadership. He considers himself an equity warrior whose purpose is to give all children a fighting chance at having a productive life. He is committed to placing effective teachers and school leaders in every school.

Dr. Padilla is the 2019 Education Weekly, Leaders to Learn From. This national prestigious recognition reflects his commitment to districtwide equity and excellence. He was a Deeper Learning Equity Fellow, an Education Policy Fellow at Columbia University, and served a four-year term as a Board Member for Harvard University’s Principal Center. He received his doctorate from Fordham University.

Dr. Padilla is the 1st ever President of the NYS Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, an executive committee member of the NYS Council of School Superintendents, and is a graduate of the AASA National Superintendents Program and the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents Academy (ALAS). He is a trustee for the Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital. He is a published author, has presented at national conferences, serves as an executive coach, and sits on many non-profit Boards.