CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Catapult Learning, Inc. today announced the hiring of Chris Catalano as Chief Financial Officer. A senior executive with a history of driving transformative change across a range of industries and delivering substantial shareholder returns for some of the most recognized brands around the world, Catalano will oversee corporate finance, general accounting, legal, and procurement for the largest provider of K?12 contracted instructional services in the United States.

“The opportunity to join Catapult Learning at this stage of its growth is exciting,” says Catalano. “Catapult Learning is a true industry leader and is well positioned for continued success, and I am excited to join in the mission to drive higher academic achievement and better outcomes for students. Returning to my roots in the greater Philadelphia area is an added bonus.”

Prior to joining Catapult Learning, Catalano served in many operational, financial, and investment leadership roles in private equity backed organizations. Most notably, from 2009 to 2014, he served as Chairman and CEO of the School of Rock, which he built into the country’s largest after-school provider in the music education industry. Catalano also spent five years as CFO and Chief Investment Officer of McDonald’s Ventures, where his financial expertise led to a multi-billion-dollar return on investment to McDonald’s shareholders from some of the best-known retail brands, including Boston Market, Chipotle, and Pret a Manger in the UK. As Chairman of the Board of Redbox, he oversaw the growth of that company from its first location to over 12,000 installations.

Catapult Learning’s CEO, Jeffrey Cohen, commented, “Chris’s credentials and business acumen are impeccable, and his record speaks for itself. We feel very confident with his experienced hand guiding an integral part of our business at this pivotal time of growth.”

Catalano holds an MBA with a concentration in finance from Rider University and a BA in mechanical engineering from Villanova University.

For more information, please contact Meg Roe, VP of Marketing for Catapult Learning, at 856-831-7956 or meg.roe@catapultlearning.com.

About Catapult Learning: Catapult Learning, Inc. has dedicated the past four decades to improving academic performance for all students, especially those who may be at risk, including potential dropouts and those with learning and emotional disabilities. The company’s team of 5,600 educators works to achieve sustained academic gains and build teacher and leadership capacity through research-based programs that include academic intervention, professional development, alternative school education, and special education. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, Catapult Learning partners with over 500 school districts, including 18 of the 20 largest districts in the United States.