Mr. Yilmaz Ak is a lifelong learner and educator. He has worked as an educator in a number of roles since 1992. He taught English as a Foreign Language, chaired English departments, coached teachers, worked as an assistant principal, principal, executive director, and Chief Academic Officer before taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF).
Mr. Ak demonstrated his innovative mindset when he implemented blended learning programs with 1:1 technology, and data-driven growth models at several charter schools, well before it was known. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English as a Foreign Language, a Master of Arts (MA) and Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership and Administration.
As a charter School administrator, Mr. Ak was intricately involved in writing charter petitions for new schools and charter renewals in Nevada, California, and more recently in Maryland. He has helped shape charter school policy at the district, county, and state levels and assisted in developing best practices. Mr. Ak has been actively involved in advocacy for charter schools at various levels and has served on a charter school board. His areas of expertise include school leadership, academic oversight, accountability, strategic planning, human resources development, charter school funding, and new school development. His passion is to provide a world quality education through innovation.
Mr. Ak was born in Germany and has worked as an educator in five different countries before making the US his home. Mr. Ak is happily married with two children and spends most of his free time with his family, including his Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever.