“Emma Johnson has a background in public health, emergency management, and school safety,” Questar III BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Gladys I. Cruz said. “Her experience supporting K-12 schools across the country, combined with her background in state-level health and safety initiatives, will assist us in providing safe, supportive learning environments for students, staff, and component school districts.”

Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a dual focus in Emergency Management and Public Health Policy, as well as a post-graduate certificate in Threat Assessment and Management in K-12 Schools. Her career has focused on advancing health and safety across a range of settings, with a strong emphasis on education and public service.

Most recently, Johnson served as a health, safety, security, and emergency services provider for K-12 schools nationwide, working primarily with independent and charter schools. In this role, she supported school communities in preparing for and responding to a wide range of safety and public health challenges.

Prior to that, she worked with the New York State Department of Health as a Program Administrator in the Occupational Health and Safety unit, supporting initiatives designed to protect employees and facilities across the state. She began her career with the New York State Division of the Budget, where she focused on public health programs through grant and fiscal management.

Johnson stated that her interest in health and safety is rooted in a long-standing drive to work in dynamic environments where preparation and teamwork are critical.

“I’ve always been energized by fast-paced, ever-changing environments where preparation, teamwork, and quick thinking truly make a difference,” she said. “That mindset naturally guided me toward public health, safety, and emergency management. I’m drawn to the constant evolution of the field, the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated teams, and the ability to make a real, meaningful impact when it matters most.”

She noted that her connection to education is both professional and personal.

“Education has always been a meaningful part of my life,” Johnson said, adding that both of her parents are educators and leaders. “After having the opportunity to support schools nationwide, it’s especially exciting and rewarding to bring that experience back home to the Capital Region.”

Throughout her career, Johnson has partnered with a wide range of schools and programs, navigating complex challenges such as crisis response and public health emergencies. She noted that those experiences have strengthened her ability to lead with confidence, remain adaptable, and support teams in high-pressure situations.

Together, her professional expertise and personal connection to education position her to lead Questar III’s health and safety efforts and support schools in maintaining safe, secure, and responsive learning environments.

“Meghan Lekkas brings expertise in school finance, operational leadership, and regional service development,” Questar III BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Gladys I. Cruz said. “Her experience across both BOCES and school district settings positions her to strengthen the systems and services that support our component districts and, ultimately, the students we serve. We are excited to have Meghan return to Questar III.”

Lekkas brings nearly two decades of experience in public finance and educational leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo, her MBA from Union College, and her School District Business Leader Certification from The College of Saint Rose. During her early career at Questar III BOCES, Lekkas also became a Certified Public Accountant.

She began her professional career as a tax accountant and municipal auditor before transitioning into school finance. In 2006, Lekkas joined Questar III BOCES as an internal auditor, working with districts across New York state. After several years in that role, she moved into the Questar III Business Office, where she managed millions of dollars in state and federal grant funding and partnered closely with program managers and administrators to support instructional and operational needs.

During her time at Questar III, Lekkas helped develop and expand the Asset Management Service. She went on to launch the Central Business Office Service and later became Questar III’s first Financial Services Director. In that role, she oversaw six statewide services, served as Business Manager for Tech Valley High School, and acted as Treasurer for the Questar III Education Foundation.

In 2016, Lekkas joined the Rensselaer City School District as Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations. She oversaw the district’s budget and business office operations, as well as facilities, transportation, and food service. During her tenure, she led a comprehensive financial turnaround, stabilizing cash flow, reducing reliance on fund balance and reserves, and navigating significant fiscal and operational challenges while maintaining a focus on student programming and services.

“My pathway into education began through public accounting, where I developed expertise in financial systems and accountability,” Lekkas said. “When I transitioned to working with school districts, I quickly realized the powerful connection between strong fiscal stewardship and student success. Supporting educational programs through sound financial leadership felt purposeful and impactful.”

Lekkas noted that her previous experience at Questar III shaped her professional values and deepened her appreciation for regional collaboration.

“Having previously served at Questar III BOCES, I developed a deep appreciation for its mission, culture of innovation, and commitment to regional collaboration,” she said. “Returning in this capacity feels like a full-circle opportunity.”

Her career has allowed her to serve in multiple capacities, including auditor, grant manager, service developer, financial director, School Business Official, and Assistant Superintendent. She said those varied perspectives have strengthened her ability to think strategically, manage complex systems, and lead through adversity while protecting student-focused programming.