Hynes Charter Schools CFO Leon Mathes Announces Retirement

Mathes Led Financial Strategy Through Years of Growth and Expansion

(New Orleans, LA) — Hynes Charter Schools Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Leon Mathes has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the school year. Since joining Hynes in December 2018, Mathes has played a critical role in the charter network’s growth, overseeing financial strategy during a period of major expansion and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are incredibly grateful for Leon’s leadership and expertise over the past five years,” said Hynes Charter Schools CEO Dr. Michelle Douglas. “His qualifications as a CPA and financial administrator are unparalleled. His guidance was instrumental in our school replication efforts, construction projects, and overall financial stability. He played a key role in the opening of Hynes-UNO and the transformation of Hynes-Parkview. We could not have achieved this growth without him.” During Mathes’ tenure as CFO, Hynes’ student population grew from 710 to 1,800, with future projections reaching 2,100 students.

Mathes holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting from the University of New Orleans, as well as an undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems from Loyola University New Orleans. A Certified Public Accountant, he brought extensive financial leadership experience to Hynes, having served as Vice President for Finance & Administration at Loyola University New Orleans. His career also includes roles as Director of Internal Auditing at Loyola (1982-2000), Chief Administrative Officer for the Archdiocese of New Orleans (2000-2007), and Vice President for Finance & Administration at Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge.

Hynes Charter Schools is the highest-demand, non-selective admissions elementary school network in Orleans Parish. Under Mathes’ financial stewardship, the network successfully expanded to include three campuses: Hynes-Lakeview (PK3-8), Hynes-UNO (K-6, growing to K-8), and Hynes-Parkview (K-8).

“We deeply appreciate Leon’s dedication and impact at Hynes,” added Dr. Douglas. “We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding contributions.”

For more information about Hynes Charter Schools, visit www.hynesschool.com.