Previous Programs
Christopher R. RianoPresident
Christopher R. RianoPresident
Christopher R. Riano is the president of the Center for Civic Education, the nation's largest constitutional law and civic education nonprofit dedicated to promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry both in America and ... [read more]
Mia NagawieckiVice President and Chief of Staff
Mia NagawieckiVice President and Chief of Staff
Mia Nagawiecki is the Center for Civic Education’s Vice President and Chief of Staff. She works to advance the Center’s mission, providing meaningful civic and constitutional education to students, teachers, and citizens across the country and ... [read more]
James B. HerediaAssociate Director, Fiscal Affairs
James B. HerediaAssociate Director, Fiscal Affairs
James Heredia works with the executive director and other associate directors to advance the mission of the Center by providing fiscal leadership to meet its strategic goals and objectives. ... [read more]
Robert S. LemingDirector, We the People Program
Robert S. LemingDirector, We the People Program
Robert S. Leming manages a national network of fifty state civic education programs involving thousands of upper elementary, middle, and high school teachers and tens of thousands of students in the study of the Constitution ... [read more]
Maria GalloDirector, Professional Development & Special Programs
Maria GalloDirector, Professional Development & Special Programs
Maria Gallo oversees the professional development programs of the Center and manages the presentation of Center programs and curricula at conferences, both nationally and internationally. Gallo also directs the Citizens Not Spectators voting curriculum ... [read more]
Alissa Irion-GrothDirector of Program Administration
Alissa Irion-GrothDirector of Program Administration
Alissa Irion-Groth has been coordinating international partnerships and other Center programs since 2004. Originally joining the Center to support the Arab Civitas Program in the Middle East and North Africa, she has worked to support programs ... [read more]
Mark GageDirector of Strategic Affairs and Communications
Mark GageDirector of Strategic Affairs and Communications
Mark Gage directs the Center for Civic Education's publishing efforts in traditional and new media and helps create the Center's strategy of growth and innovation. He also manages the editorial content of the Center's websites and social media platforms. Gage co-founded the 60-Second Civics podcast in 2009 with Kaci Patterson and ... [read more]
Greg SynnottDirector, Information Technology
Greg SynnottDirector, Information Technology
Greg Synnott develops and manages the Center's information systems, including data systems, accounting systems, and websites. Synnott is a hands-on leader who serves many roles, including data management, database administration, web development, and accounting. ... [read more]
Valerie MilianniOffice Manager
Valerie MilianniOffice Manager
Valerie Milianni is the office manager and head of sales at the Center. She also provides administrative support for the Center’s educational programs, events, and conferences. Milianni has been with the Center since 1989 ... [read more]
Janel HuberReceptionist and Administrative Assistant
Janel HuberReceptionist and Administrative Assistant
Janel Huber has been with the Center since 2005. She has a bachelor of science degree in education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. She has taught at various child care centers in Pennsylvania and Vermont. Huber is the Center's receptionist ... [read more]
Umesh NaiduAccountant and System Administrator
Umesh NaiduAccountant and System Administrator
Umesh Naidu is the Center's accountant and system administrator. Naidu has been with the Center since 2002. He studied in Fiji Islands and worked as an accountant prior to migrating to the United States in 2001. ... [read more]
Chelsea M. SchusterPublic Relations and Social Media Manager
Chelsea M. SchusterPublic Relations and Social Media Manager
Chelsea M. Schuster is the Center for Civic Education's public relations and social media manager. Schuster spent nearly a decade managing communications, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising initiatives at leading civic organizations and startups including... [read more]
