IPsquared is led by Josh Thomases.

Josh Thomases is the Founder and CEO of IP², a leadership consulting and facilitation organization working at the intersection of program and potential. Josh founded IP² to help organizations confront the gap between where they think they are and where they need to be. Through leadership coaching, facilitation, and organizational development, he builds the trust and structures to close it. IP²'s clients include public school districts, charter networks, statewide policy initiatives, and nonprofit organizations. An independent evaluation by Metis Associates found that 100% of clients would recommend IP²'s work, with an average impact rating of 8.4 out of 10, and zero neutral or negative responses.

That work draws on 30 years of deep relationships across leadership development, instructional design, data and research, school turnaround, systems change, and equity-driven reform — from classroom teachers and school leaders to superintendents, researchers, funders, and policy makers. When people need the right thinking partner, expert, or collaborator, Josh is often a useful first call.

Josh began his career as a founding teacher and leader at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice in Brooklyn, a nationally known model for community-driven, culturally responsive education. He worked at the NYC Department of Education for a decade, ultimately serving on Chancellor Dennis Walcott's cabinet, where he oversaw the opening of 350 new small schools. Nine randomized controlled trials by MDRC documented transformative outcomes on high school graduation, college attendance, persistence and completion, particularly for historically underserved students. He later led the city's transition to the Common Core and spearheaded the K-20 college and career readiness agenda.

Josh was the Dean of Innovation, Policy & Research at Bank Street College of Education, where he oversaw community programs, launched the Center for Culture, Race and Equity, and founded Prepared to Teach, a national policy institute focused on transforming the teacher ecosystem in the United States. He later served as Executive Vice President of the Great Oaks Foundation, a multi-state charter network and AmeriCorps program built around high-dosage tutoring and national service.

Josh lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two adolescent sons who keep him deeply grounded. Beyond work, parenting, and social justice, he coaches baseball, loves the outdoors, and walks his very scruffy dog.

Contact Josh at Josh@IPsquared.org.