Illustrative Mathematics® (IM) Appoints Sally Mayes as Chief of Staff

April 7, 2026 — Illustrative Mathematics today announced the appointment of Sally Mayes as Chief of Staff, a new executive leadership role at IM that will help strengthen cross-functional alignment across the organization.

As Chief of Staff, Sally will serve as a strategic advisor, integrator, and cross-functional alignment lead across brand, product, and partnerships at IM. She will help drive coordination across priorities, support organizational planning and execution, and strengthen the systems and processes that help teams work together effectively in service of Illustrative Mathematics’s mission.

Raised in a family of educators, Mayes brings experience spanning strategy, operations, communications, public policy, and organizational leadership. Over the course of her career, she has helped mission-driven organizations navigate growth, guide complex cross-functional work, and build the structures needed to support clarity, alignment, and long-term impact.

“Sally brings extensive experience in communications, operations, strategic decision-making, and a real ability to bring structure to complex work,” said Kristin Umland, CEO and cofounder of Illustrative Mathematics. “She understands how to connect people and priorities in ways that will help us move forward with clarity and cohesion."

“I’m excited to join Illustrative Mathematics at such an important moment in its growth,” said Mayes. “I’m drawn to the organization’s mission, the seriousness of its work, and its commitment to supporting educators and students. I look forward to helping strengthen the alignment and collaboration that support that work.”

The creation of the Chief of Staff role reflects IM’s continued investment in the organization and its people that is needed to support its long-term growth and impact.

To learn more about IM’s leadership team and mission, visit About IM | Illustrative Mathematics | Resources for Teachers & Students.  


About Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics® (IM) is the nonprofit organization behind IM® Math, a problem-based TK–12 curriculum built on the belief that all students can succeed in mathematics. IM supports schools and districts through high-quality instructional materials, curriculum-based professional learning, and a carefully vetted IM Certified® partner ecosystem. Today, more than 3.4 million students across all 50 states learn with IM Certified® curricula. Learn more at IllustrativeMathematics.org.