Join us for

Olam Governing Council Meeting

Wed Jul 8, 2026 4pm – 4:30pm

Our Mission

To provide students from all backgrounds with a rigorous curriculum, supportive learning environment, daily instruction in Modern Hebrew, and a focus on global citizenship

Join our Zoom info session on Monday, September 9, at 12 PM

Olam Stamford Welcomes Founding Head of School - Lisa Strom

OLAM Stamford Press Release

OLAM Public Charter School is coming to Stamford!

Modeled after Hebrew Public schools in Brooklyn and Staten Island, OLAM Stamford will offer rigorous instruction in English, math, Modern Hebrew, science, art and music, social studies, and sports.

Watch the OLAM Stamford Info Session

OLAM Stamford at a glance

Initially serving 112 students in

PK-1

Grow to include grades

PK-8

Ultimately students served

336

Planned opening in September

2027

The school will be located in its own private facility

Hebrew Public's Network Leadership

Jon Rosenberg

Chief Executive Officer/President

Emily Fernandez

Chief Program Officer

VK-300x300

Valerie Khaytina

Chief External Officer

Meet our Board of Directors

Hugh Murphy

Chair

Fritz G. Chery

Vice Chair

Akash Sadhu

Treasurer

Lori Ferguson

Secretary

Gila Ogle

Director

We are in the process of forming the Board for OLAM Stamford.  If you know anyone who might make a terrific founding Board Member, please contact us!

Olam Stamford Board Meetings

July 15th, 2026 at 12 pm

Hugh Murphy

Hugh Murphy is a finance and public administration executive with more than 40 years of experience in school finance, budgeting, and operations. He previously served as Executive Director of Finance for Stamford Public Schools, overseeing financial planning, budgeting, grants, and operational services, and currently teaches accounting as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut. Throughout his career, Hugh has managed large public education budgets, led major cost-saving initiatives, and supported strategic planning for school districts across Connecticut. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Providence College.

Fritz G. Chery

Fritz G. Chery is a lifelong Stamford resident, small business owner, and community leader with experience in education, commercial real estate, and nonprofit service. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from the University of Bridgeport before spending more than 15 years in commercial real estate and co-founding Grace Daycare & Learning Center. Appointed to the Stamford Board of Education in 2020, Fritz has advocated for safe, high-quality schools while supporting initiatives that expand opportunities for students and families. His community involvement includes service with Future 5, Project Music, and Laurel House, reflecting his longstanding commitment to Stamford.

Akash Sadhu

Akash Sadhu is a technology and portfolio management leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering complex technology, risk, and regulatory compliance solutions for global financial institutions. He currently serves as a Director at UBS, leading trade surveillance technology initiatives, and has previously held leadership roles at NatWest Markets, GE Capital, and Investec Bank. Akash also serves as a technology volunteer with his local school PTO, supporting digital operations and community engagement. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in computer science and additional certifications in data science, machine learning, analytics, and leadership.

Lori Ferguson

Lori Ferguson is Senior Vice President of Product and Customer Operations at NCQA, where she leads product strategy, implementation, and customer operations. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in Medicaid and Medicare managed care, she has held executive roles at VNS Health and Magellan Health. Lori holds a master’s degree in Applied/Organizational Psychology from Christopher Newport University, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Radford University, and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Gila Ogle

Gila Ogle is an experienced educator and school leader with a track record of founding, strengthening, and leading schools focused on equity and academic excellence. She currently serves as Head of School at The Silver Academy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and previously held leadership roles at Amber Charter Middle School in New York City and the SEED School of Miami. Gila holds graduate degrees from Columbia University and Queens College and a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University.