kchoinacky@sb.school

In July 2025, Kris Arizmendi Choinacky was named the first CEO of the South Bend Education Alliance! Kris is no stranger to South Bend, born and raised here. She is an alumna of Washington High School. Kris continued her undergraduate education at Holy Cross College and University of Indianapolis and holds a Masters of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Kris has over 15 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector, as well as many years of community engagement and volunteer work.  She came to the SBEA after 3 years as the Executive Director of the SBAA, and was excited to take on all of the challenges and opportunities of this new organization! Kris has a deep passion for the South Bend community through her advocacy and involvement with local boards and committees.

komalley@sb.school

Kara O’Malley grew up in the Chicago suburbs and first came to South Bend as an undergrad at Notre Dame. After graduating with a degree in accounting, she worked for a decade in churches in both South Bend and Boston before becoming a stay at home parent for her young children. Kara was excited to start work at the SBAA in 2023 in a position that combines her experience with non-profit work and her business degree. In her spare time, Kara sings with the South Bend Chamber Singers, pursuing the love of music that was first fostered through extracurriculars in her youth.