My name is Christa Dorrego, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Board of Education. As a parent, community advocate, and finance executive with nearly 30 years of experience, I bring a thoughtful, independent voice grounded in accountability with a strong focus on what matters most — our students.
About Christa
I am currently Co-Founder and Managing Director of Arnhold LLC, a private investment advisory firm overseeing approximately $3 billion in assets under management. I lead Client Relations, oversee Human Resources, and previously served as Chief Compliance Officer — reflecting both strategic leadership and deep regulatory expertise.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, I have held senior roles at Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder Holdings, First Eagle Investment Management, Lazard Frères & Co., Morgan Stanley, and Republic National Bank.
I hold a B.S. in Management and Communications and an MBA from Adelphi University, with professional certifications from the New York Institute of Finance and Series 7 and 63 licenses.
Community Leadership
- Rockville Centre resident for more than ten years
- Co-President, South Side High School PTSA
- Longtime member of Special Education Partners (SEP); currently SSHS SEP Representative
- Member, Sponsors of the Arts and Booster Club
- Active supporter of athletics, arts, and student programs
- Parent of a senior and a sophomore — firsthand experience with both special and general education curricula, policies, and procedures
What the district needs from experienced financial leadership: balance fiscal responsibility with the programs students and families rely on; ask harder questions before small issues become crises; and support stronger long-term planning and clearer communication around budgets and trade-offs.
What Sets Me Apart
My ability to connect evidence-based, data-driven decision-making with real-world impact.
Across nearly three decades in finance, I bring the ability to interpret complex data and evaluate long-term impact. But data alone doesn’t tell the full story.
As a parent of both a special education and general education student, PTSA leader, and special education advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made at the Board level play out in real classrooms—with real students, teachers, and families.
That combination allows me to ask the hard questions, challenge assumptions, understand trade-offs, and stay focused on what matters most: long-term student success.
My Priorities
Students First
Every decision in education should support academic achievement, personal growth, and access to opportunity across all learning needs.
Accountability & Transparency
Decisions must be clearly communicated and responsibly made in the best interest of the community — with real accountability in leadership.
Fiscal Responsibility
Disciplined stewardship of district resources ensures long-term financial stability and sustainability for current students and future generations.
The current Board has approved the budget as written—and on May 19 the community will decide. Moving forward, we must ensure we are not in this position again. With my finance background, I will bring disciplined, data-driven decision-making, stronger long-term planning and financial forecasting, greater transparency, and collaborative leadership that balances fiscal responsibility without compromising the student experience.
Stability & Trust
Strong oversight, collaborative leadership, and a clear vision for the future.
Volatility in administrative leadership disrupts continuity, weakens accountability, and creates uncertainty for staff, students, and the community. We need transparent leadership structures with clear financial oversight and a cohesive academic vision so the district can move forward with stability and trust.
My Goals — Student-Focused Leadership
- Ensuring every student’s needs are met—from our most vulnerable learners to our highest achievers—recognizing that education is not one size fits all.
- Restoring and maintaining trust through transparency, accountability, and clear communication, especially around budgeting and decision-making.
- Bringing a disciplined, data-driven approach—using longitudinal data, program review, and outcome analysis to guide decisions and continuously improve.
- Supporting and investing in our educators—through strong professional development and by ensuring they have the resources and respect they need to succeed.
My Commitment
I am running for the Board of Education to bring a thoughtful, experienced, and independent perspective to the role. Drawing on my professional background in finance, leadership, governance, and accountability — as well as my firsthand experience navigating both special and general education systems — I aim to bring meaningful value and balance to the Board.
- Transparency, Accountability, and Fiscal Responsibility
- Strong communication with our community
- Support for ALL students — across general and special education
- Collaborative, student-focused decision-making
- Bridging gaps and fostering open communication among trustees