Ron Gubitz is an innovative and impactful educator who infuses his love of the arts and humor into every aspect of his work. He recently served as the Leadership Coach for The John F. Kennedy Center’s innovative Turnaround Arts program, a national effort that supports schools and inspires students through the strategic use of the arts.

From 2011—2016, he served as principal of the ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy in New Orleans, leading the Pre-K—4th grade school through a dramatic turnaround of what had been the lowest performing school in the entire state of Louisiana.

A graduate of Indiana University, Ron began his career at Vashon High School in St. Louis teaching English. There, he launched the school’s first AP program in many years and founded the inaugural chapter of Hip Hop Congress, a national non-profit he started in college that uses hip hop to uplift creators and their communities.

Ron is a proud resident of New Orleans where he and his partner Leslie, and two young daughters Nola Bea and Ruby vigilantly count down the days to Jazz Fest every year. He served on the Touro Synagogue Board of Directors for six years, co-founded Whetstone Education, and does whatever he can to make sure the Crescent City stays funky.