Otis Hackney

Otis Hackney is chief education officer for the City of Philadelphia, appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney to lead new educational initiatives like increasing free, quality pre-K for 6,500 three- and four-year-olds and creating 25 community schools over the next three years. A Philadelphia native, he began his career as a mathematics teacher at Germantown High School. After teaching and serving as an administrator in various schools, Hackney returned to South Philadelphia High School in 2010 as principal, where he successfully helped heal divisions after high-profile instances of racially motivated school violence. Under his leadership, the school also adopted a “community school” approach by creating unique partnerships that expanded support services and programs for students and families. With a core belief that students come first, Hackney is working to improve educational opportunities for our children.