Rodolfo (Rudy) Elizondo joined College Track as Chief of Education in March 2025, bringing 20 years of impactful leadership in K-12 education. A proud first-generation college graduate, Rudy was raised in South and Southeast Los Angeles as the son of immigrant parents from Mexico. As a native Angeleno, his life and career are deeply rooted in the belief that higher education is transformational—not just for individuals but for entire families and communities. His journey reflects a commitment to unlocking the potential, strength, and beauty inherent in the communities he serves, including the one that shaped him.
Most recently, Rudy served as Chief Instructional Officer (CIO) for Alliance College-Ready Public Schools in Los Angeles, overseeing 26 middle and high schools and nearly 13,000 scholars. In this role, he managed all aspects of teaching and learning, including curriculum, professional development, assessments, special education, multilingual learning, school management, principal supervision, scholar and family engagement, strategic planning and implementation, and leadership development. Known for fostering collaboration and partnership, Rudy led efforts to reopen schools during the pandemic and launched innovative programs to reimagine education in a post-COVID landscape.
Rudy’s educational journey began as an adjunct instructor at UC Berkeley, where he supported students from immigrant families and first-generation college students—mirroring his own background. He transitioned to secondary education in New York City’s South Bronx, teaching math from middle school to Algebra II/Trigonometry at the Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice under the leadership of Meisha Ross Porter, former NYC Schools Chancellor. As part of Math for America, Rudy engaged in five years of advanced professional development, later earning the designation of Master Teacher.
Rudy honed his leadership skills through the Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) at the NYC Leadership Academy. He then founded and led the Urban Assembly School for Emergency Management (UASEM), an innovative Career and Technical Education high school in New York City. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he joined Alliance as an Instructional Superintendent, coaching principals and driving system-wide strategies that led to multiple schools achieving National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School recognitions.
Rudy continues to invest in his growth as a leader, recently completing the Broad Fellowship for Public Education Leadership at the Yale School of Management, Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship and advanced training in Culturally Responsive Principal Supervision through the NYC Leadership Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bard College, and a School Building Leader Degree from Baruch College.