School Leadership

Kris Byam is the Executive Director at Oakmont Education Iowa, with over 15 years of experience in education and school reform, he has a proven track record of designing and implementing Work-Based Learning and Registered Apprenticeship programs that connect students with meaningful career opportunities and prepare them for the future workforce.

Before joining Oakmont Education, he worked as the Registered Apprenticeship and Work Based Learning Liaison at Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), where he partnered with state agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders to expand and support the Registered Apprenticeship system in Iowa. As a High School Principal, he led his team in the creation of the EDGE program at Boone High School, a Work-Based Learning initiative that offered hands-on career experiences for students of diverse interests, passions, and talents. Kris holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Business Education from Drake University, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa, and an Administration Endorsement from the University of Iowa. He is fluent in Spanish and has been recognized as a LifeChanger of the Year nominee for his positive impact on education. Kris is passionate about being an agent of change and empowering learners and employers to achieve their full potential.