Dumar Paden serves as Chief of High Schools at Achievement First, leading the vision and strategy for improving high school results, monitoring progress, and building long-term program design.

With nearly two decades of experience as an educator and school leader, Dumar brings deep expertise in building successful high schools that prepare students for college, career, and beyond. Since joining AF, Dumar has served as Academic Dean at AF University Prep HS, Principal of AF Brooklyn HS, and Regional Superintendent. As Principal, he guided AF Brooklyn HS through the height of the pandemic while raising AP performance, improving organizational health, and significantly reducing suspensions.

Dumar’s leadership is rooted in equity, resilience, and partnership with school teams. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he was the first male in his family to graduate from college. He holds a B.S. from SUNY Albany and an M.S. from Grand Canyon University.