New Director Of Finance, Operations Announced For New Canaan Schools

NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan Public Schools announced Tuesday that Sean O'Keefe has been named the district's new director of finance and operations.

In a news release, Superintendent Bryan Luizzi said O'Keefe will step in for Jo-Ann Keating, who recently announced her retirement after seven years with the district.

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O'Keefe has served as the chief operating officer for Greenwich Public Schools since 2019. Prior to that, he was the business administrator for Trumbull Public Schools from 2012 – 2019.

In these roles, O'Keefe's responsibilities included operating and capital budgets, finance, insurance, transportation, food services and facilities, among other things, according to Luizzi.

While in Trumbull, O'Keefe was honored with the "Visionary of the Year" award in recognition of his district-wide improvement efforts.

Luizzi thanked the 10 members of the interview committee, which included representatives from the Board of Education, district administration, building administration, teachers and the New Canaan Educators' Association. He also thanked Keating, as well as Director of Human ResourcesDarlene Pianka and the human resources team.

"Jo-Ann and Darlene, along with the HR team, did a fabulous job throughout this process," Luizzi said in a news release. "Thanks to their great work, and the commitment of our Board of Education, interview committee and administrative cabinet, we are thrilled to be welcoming Mr. O'Keefe to the New Canaan Public Schools. Sean has been exemplary at every phase of his impressive career, and I am looking forward to welcoming him to our team in the months ahead."

Luizzi noted the district will develop a transition plan with Greenwich Public Schools. Keating will remain onboard to help see the district through the transition period.

"Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Sean as he joins our team in the New Canaan Public Schools," Luizzi said.

Prior to serving in public schools, O'Keefe held several international roles at IBM that took him to various locations around the globe, including Hong Kong and Tokyo. He holds an undergraduate degree in accounting and an MBA in finance from Fordham University, as well as a school district business leader certification in New York and a school business manager certification in Connecticut.