Congratulations to three new leaders who have joined Austin ISD administration: Executive Director of School Leadership LaKesha Drinks, Executive Director of Human Resource Services Rosa Pena and Executive Director of School Leadership Deborah Warnken.
 
"We are truly fortunate to have such a great group of leaders within our district who, combined, have more than 50 years with the district," said Superintendent Paul Cruz. "Our leadership team welcomes these professionals and we look forward to working with each of them."
 
LaKesha Drinks has been appointed as executive director of school leadership.
 
Drinks has been with AISD for 15 years. Since 2013, she has been the principal at Guerrero Thompson Elementary.
 
Deborah Warnken has been appointed as executive director of school leadership.
 
For more than 23 years, she has held various positions starting as a third- and fourth-grade teacher. Since 2012, she has been the principal at Cowan Elementary School.
 
The supervision, support and coaching of principals is the primary responsibility of the position, which means that executive directors aim to spend up to 80 percent of their time in schools, engaging in professional learning with an individual or groups of principals as well as working with district staff to build support systems in service to principals.
 
Rosa Pena has been selected to be the executive director of Human Resource Services. She has been with the district for 31 years. For the past three years, she has served as the director of leadership development.
 
Pena will be responsible for management of the department and supervision of the Benefits, Leave, and Wellness Office and the Employee Relations Office, as well as classified and substitute services. She will also provide oversight of all employment complaints and ensure compliance with local, state and federal law.