Joe Sanfelippo

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI, a position he has held for the past 12 years. Under his leadership, the district was named an Innovative District twice by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Sanfelippo holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from St. Norbert College, a MS in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a MS in Educational Leadership, and a PhD in Leadership, Learning, and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. He is also an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Viterbo University. His early career involved teaching Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 5th Grade, and he has experience as a school counselor and high school coach before becoming an elementary principal in 2005.

Sanfelippo has authored multiple books, including "Hacking Leadership" and "Lead From Where You Are: Leading with Intention, Connection, and Direction." He is also a co-author of "The Power of Branding: Telling Your School's Story" and "Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in the Digital Age." He has been recognized nationally for his leadership, being chosen as one of 117 Future Ready Superintendents and one of 50 Superintendents as a Personalized Learning Leader by the US Department of Education. Education Dive named Sanfelippo their National Superintendent of the Year in 2019.

Additionally, Sanfelippo hosts the Successful Schools Podcast, where he shares insights and strategies on leadership in education. He continues to be a sought-after keynote speaker at various educational conferences, addressing topics such as the use of social media for school leaders, creating a culture of yes, and personalized professional growth for staff. His initiatives like the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge further showcase his commitment to improving educational leadership and learning environments.