Staff
The Association's three-person staff consists of an Executive Director, a Policy and Advocacy Director, a Member Relations and Communications Director, and an Administrative and Operations Assistant.
The Association also contracts a part-time Accountant.
Piccolo, Eugene
Executive Director
Phone: 651-789-3090 ext. 1
Eugene's educational background includes a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of St. Thomas and a M.A. in Non-public School Administration - Secondary and Elementary, also from the University of St. Thomas. A veteran educator and former Assistant Commissioner in the Minnesota Department of Education, Eugene has had a career in education spanning more than 30 years.
As an Executive Director, Eugene has a vital role in charter school advocacy. This includes organizational training and development, with special concentration pertaining, but not limited to school administration, public policy, and governance. Eugene has made continuous efforts in strengthening growth and innovation in the charter movement, with a renewed commitment to both high quality and real accountability.
Cienian, Joey
Public Policy & Advocacy Director
Phone Number: 651-789-3090 ext. 2
Joey has a Masters Degree in Teaching from Hamline University and Bachelor Degrees in History and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Joey worked for over a decade at the High School for Recording Arts where he served as the Director of Education. Before working at HSRA, he was a Political Organizer for Greenpeace in Arizona and Minnesota. He is a political advocate committed to equity and social justice, passionate about civic engagement, and a storyteller. Joey also enjoys making art and music, playing basketball, and enjoying the great Minnesota outdoors with his wife Annie and daughters Willa and June.
As Public Policy and Advocacy Director, Joey works collaboratively to develop and execute the public policy agenda and implement the Advocacy goals of The Association.
Padgett, Michael
Member Relations Director
Phone: 651-789-3090 ext. 3
Michael earned a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and a M.A. in Teaching from Hamline University. Prior to MACS, Michael worked at High School for Recording Arts, where he served as an academic advisor, English and Humanities teacher, and Education Development Strategist, as well as PiM Arts High School, where he served as an English teacher. He has also worked in the field of psychology, helping individuals affected by severe and persistent mental illness, as well as families impacted by housing instability and children on the autism spectrum. Michael is a passionate advocate for equity, justice, and developmental progress in education. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, art, music, cooking, traveling and sports.