Kate Pillai
Senior Director, Finance and Operations

Kate Pillai
Senior Director, Finance and Operations
Kate brings strategic thinking, operational rigor, and a deep commitment to educational equity to her work at Accelerate Institute.
As Senior Director of Finance and Operations, she leads financial strategy, budgeting, and core operations to drive impact and long-term sustainability. She also oversees backend and technology for Accelerate Online, ensuring the platform is reliable and continuously improving to meet the needs of schools and leaders.
Previously, Kate spent eight years advising school leaders through the Principal Fellowship and Accelerator programs, and seven years as a global history teacher in Brooklyn, where she built an engaging, culturally responsive classroom.
She holds degrees from Saint Mary’s College and the University of Pennsylvania. Kate reads 40+ books a year (but can never recall a title on demand) and can usually be found on the sidelines with her high school sweetheart, cheering on their two boys.