
Dr. Lázaro López
Associate Superintendent, High School District 214/Chair, Illinois Community College Board
Dr. López is a national policy leader and practitioner at the intersection of workforce and education. He speaks nationally as an advocate for relevancy in schools, business partnerships, and career pathways. He has been featured in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Profiles of Change, the Achieving Tomorrow Series, and Roadtrip Nation on PBS (2025). López was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House for his leadership in implementing career-connected learning and honored as the Illinois High School Principal of the Year for his efforts to ensure economic mobility in his school community. He was appointed to chair the Illinois Community College Board and leads the Illinois Workforce Board’s Task Force on Youth Apprenticeships. In his current role, he helps ensure that career-connected learning through employer partnerships serves as the foundation of the academic program. He earned a master’s in educational leadership and administration from Roosevelt University and an Ed.D. in education leadership and administration from Aurora University.