Caitlyn Brazill Named CEO of Per Scholas as Plinio Ayala Steps Down

Brazill has spent the last decade as a core architect of the organization’s strategy, overseeing the integration of AI-enabled instruction and the expansion into critical infrastructure sectors like semiconductor manufacturing and data center operations. Her promotion follows a multi-year succession plan designed to maintain the momentum established by Ayala, who grew the nonprofit from a local project into a presence spanning more than 25 communities across the United States.

Industry partners and funders, including leaders from Blue Meridian Partners and the Ballmer Group, have signaled strong approval of the appointment. They point to Brazill’s track record in scaling innovative programs, such as the Career Accelerator upskilling platform and inclusive financing models, as evidence of her readiness to lead. While Ayala will exit the CEO role at the start of the year, he will remain with the organization as an advisor through June 2027 to ensure a seamless transfer of institutional knowledge.