As CEO of Primrose Schools, Jo Kirchner has a lifelong mission to deliver a nurturing environment and a quality early learning foundation to help children become confident adults who love who they are and what they do.
Jo leads strategic direction and external brand leadership efforts for Primrose. She joined the company in 1990 as Vice President and became President and CEO in 1999.
Now, Jo continues to shape the long-term vision of Primrose Schools while partnering with President Steve Clemente, who joined Primrose in 2016, on strategic growth initiatives. Under Jo’s leadership, Primrose has grown from four schools in metro Atlanta to more than 325 schools nationwide.
Jo serves as a member of the Primrose Early Learning Council and oversees the Primrose Schools Board of Directors. She founded the Primrose Children’s Foundation, which provides financial aid to not-for-profit organizations supporting young children.
Under her leadership, Primrose Schools has raised and donated more than $2 million to charities focusing on the needs of children who are at the greatest risk. Most recently, she helped form a long-term partnership with Save the Children, the world’s top independent charity for children in need.
Jo holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Ohio Career College. She lives on a horse farm in Dallas, Ga., with her husband of more than 35 years, Rick. They have two grown children and two grandchildren.
Recognitions and Awards:AdvancED Excellence in Education, 2010; Ernst and Young’s 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year; Gold Stevie® Award in the Female Executive of the Year category for Women in Business, 2013; Womenetics POW! Award, 2013; Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO, 2014; NAFE Women of Excellence, Community Service in Education, 2014; ranked # 8 in Franchise Update magazine’s Top 24 Women in Franchising list, 2014.
Steve Clemente joined Primrose as President in May 2016. In his role, he leads internal operations for Primrose School Franchising Company and partners with CEO Jo Kirchner on strategic growth initiatives.
Steve’s entire career has been focused on providing senior leadership and management in multi-unit businesses. Prior to joining the Primrose Schools executive team, Steve served as President of Field & Stream, a subsidiary of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Before that, he spent five years at the Nebraska Book Company, rising from Sr. Vice President in charge of operations to President and CEO.
He began his career as an Executive in Training at Target Stores and enjoyed a 15-year trajectory there, culminating as a Group Vice President in charge of $3.3 billion in operations. He was widely recognized for mentoring high-performance executives, and his team led the company in customer service and financial profitability.
Steve holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University.
Steve resides in the Atlanta suburbs with his wife, Lisa, and two daughters. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Book Company and the Advisory Board for Instaply, Inc.
Connect with Jo and Steve on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
