Dr. Michael Sharpe
Chief Executive Officer
Michael M. Sharpe, a graduate of Columbia University, Norwich University and New York University, currently is the Chief Executive Officer for Jumoke Academy Schools in Hartford, CT. Dr. Sharpe began work at Jumoke Academy in 1998 and was appointed its CEO in 2003.
Under Dr. Sharpe’s leadership, Jumoke Academy’s middle and elementary schools have consistently been cited in an independent study based on the Connecticut Mastery Scores as one of the top ten performing urban schools in the State of Connecticut.
During his tenure the school’s enrollment has grown from 150 to over 430 students, including a staff of 75 employees. Its academic program now includes an outstanding Pre-K academy and two academic award winning schools: Jumoke Academy Charter School and Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School. Jumoke Academy middle school has closed the achievement gap between students of color and white students. Jumoke Academy’s 2010 graduating 8th graders had equal to the highest writing and math scores of any school district in the State of Connecticut.
Dr. Sharpe is president of the Connecticut Charter School Association; board member of the National Charter School Leadership Council, founding member of the Legacy Project and Family Urban Schools of Excellence, (F.U.S.E); Sharpe is also a member of the Blue Hills Civic Association, Beta Iota Boule and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternities.
In his spare time Dr. Sharpe enjoys a fast paced racquetball game, chess, kibitzing about politics, gardening and cruising to warm climates. He resides in Hartford with his daughter Michele Sharpe, who recently graduated after studying her senior year at Hershireford University, in London.
Ms. Carol Beebe-Mestel
Chief Financial Officer- Ms. Carol Beebe Mestel
Carol Beebe-Mestel joined the Jumoke family in 2001, bringing over 15 years of experience in the areas of finance and accounting. She graduated with honors from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in accounting. Carol’s impressive work experience includes: supporting the tax department for Ernst & Young; a Big 4 accounting firm, finance controller for an international leasing company and leading a non-profit organization as their Chief Financial Officer.
Mrs. Beebe-Mestel’s financial skills and innovative methodologies helped Jumoke plan and finance the school’s dream of future expansion. In 2003 she enabled Jumoke Academy to be the 1st charter school in Connecticut to strategically invest reserve funds into an investment portfolio. In Dec. of 2007, this dream became a wonderful reality when Jumoke Academy signed for its first mortgage, utilizing the proceeds from the investments for the down payment of their 339 Blue Hills Middle School location.
In the 10 years as CFO for Jumoke, her passion for excellence has afforded Jumoke with a sustained record for exceptional audits every year. This is a true testament of her ability to create and implement solid policies school wide. She is inspired by the school’s mission, her passion for all things financial and the pursuit of continuous improvement. Carol’s greatest reward is to see our Jumoke students succeed.
Ms. Anette Hollis
Director of Facilities and Technology- Ms. Anette Hollis
Ms. Hollis joined Jumoke Academy in 2000. She grew up in the Hartford area received her Associate’s Degree from University of Hartford. She was Jumoke’s Administrative Assistant until 2007 when she became the Operations Coordinator and then the Director of Operations for both Jumoke Academy Elementary School and Middle School. She also oversees Jumoke’s auxiliary facility on Scarborough Street and several rental properties.
She loves reading, cooking, baking and spending time with her children and family. She has found a second family at Jumoke Academy. She supports its mission and dedication to all our children.
Mr. Robert Greene
Director of Operations-Mr. Robert Greene