The ASU Helios Decision Center Team (from left): Cristi Guevara, Rebecca McKay,
Dawn Foley, Joe O'Reilly, Camila Tompkins, Mary Zhu, Momoko Rai, and Whitney Marsh
Dawn Foley, Joe O'Reilly, Camila Tompkins, Mary Zhu, Momoko Rai, and Whitney Marsh
After eight years of impactful leadership, the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence marks the retirement of its founding director, Dr. Joe O’Reilly.
Launched in 2018, the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence is a partnership between Arizona State University and Helios Education Foundation established to make data practically useful while working closely with state agencies, school districts, and educators to solve real-world challenges. The ASU Helios Decision Center brings together the strengths and resources of two of the state’s most well-respected institutions, ASU and Helios, with the shared goal of improving the state’s education system for all Arizonans. In 2023, the ASU Helios Decision Center’s work was recognized with ASU’s President’s Medal for Social Embeddedness, reflecting its deep and sustained impact across communities in Arizona.
Prior to becoming the director of the ASU Helios Decision Center, Dr. O’Reilly served in several leadership roles in Arizona. He spent 30 years with Mesa Public Schools (MPS), leading the district’s Research and Evaluation Department and Student Achievement Support efforts. His support for students has been profound, stating once that, “Helping educators help students succeed has always been my focus.”
That commitment was also evident through his service as Vice President of the American Education Research Association and his time on the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board. O’Reilly once shared, “I know firsthand the critical role our high-quality teachers, dedicated support staff and skilled leaders play in the success of our students and in the strength of our community.” His knowledge and commitment make up only a fraction of why he is regarded by his peers as one of the leading experts in education in Arizona.
For the last eight years, Dr. O’Reilly has used this knowledge and care for student success to guide the ASU Helios Decision Center team in developing innovative visualization and impact projects that not only examine the education system but also visualize the impact of potential new policies and innovative solutions on education outcomes.
When visitors come to the Helios Decision Theater for a presentation, they are often greeted by Dr. O’Reilly who shares how the ASU Helios Decision Center was envisioned by ASU President Dr. Michael Crow and Helios President and CEO Paul J. Luna, and describes the impact it has had since inception. Beyond presentations, he has helped lead project development and traveled to schools throughout Arizona to showcase the opportunities that the ASU Helios Decision Center can provide for the betterment of students.
Vince Yanez, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at Helios Education Foundation, shared:
“The vision for the ASU Helios Decision Center was bold from the start, and it took the right leadership to bring it to life. Joe was selected as the Center’s first director because he had the expertise, credibility, and relationships needed to guide this work forward. What he has built has become a national model for how education systems can collaborate to strengthen data quality and use. His impact will be felt in schools, among students, and across communities for years to come.”
Rebecca McKay, incoming Director of Data & Technology, reflected on Joe’s leadership and impact:
“Joe led us into uncharted territory and showed us what was possible when vision meets determination. The work we accomplished as a team wasn’t just new—it was truly groundbreaking. Joe gave us the freedom and support to try things that had not been done before. And because he is so well respected in education circles, we have been trusted with sensitive data. I am grateful and proud of the work we have done to improve the education pipeline in Arizona.”
The ASU Helios Decision Center team deeply appreciates Dr. O’Reilly’s contributions, guidance, and leadership during its formative years. While we are sad to see him retire, we are excited for this next chapter and the continued impact we will have under new leadership.
Launched in 2018, the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence is a partnership between Arizona State University and Helios Education Foundation established to make data practically useful while working closely with state agencies, school districts, and educators to solve real-world challenges. The ASU Helios Decision Center brings together the strengths and resources of two of the state’s most well-respected institutions, ASU and Helios, with the shared goal of improving the state’s education system for all Arizonans. In 2023, the ASU Helios Decision Center’s work was recognized with ASU’s President’s Medal for Social Embeddedness, reflecting its deep and sustained impact across communities in Arizona.
Prior to becoming the director of the ASU Helios Decision Center, Dr. O’Reilly served in several leadership roles in Arizona. He spent 30 years with Mesa Public Schools (MPS), leading the district’s Research and Evaluation Department and Student Achievement Support efforts. His support for students has been profound, stating once that, “Helping educators help students succeed has always been my focus.”
That commitment was also evident through his service as Vice President of the American Education Research Association and his time on the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board. O’Reilly once shared, “I know firsthand the critical role our high-quality teachers, dedicated support staff and skilled leaders play in the success of our students and in the strength of our community.” His knowledge and commitment make up only a fraction of why he is regarded by his peers as one of the leading experts in education in Arizona.
For the last eight years, Dr. O’Reilly has used this knowledge and care for student success to guide the ASU Helios Decision Center team in developing innovative visualization and impact projects that not only examine the education system but also visualize the impact of potential new policies and innovative solutions on education outcomes.
When visitors come to the Helios Decision Theater for a presentation, they are often greeted by Dr. O’Reilly who shares how the ASU Helios Decision Center was envisioned by ASU President Dr. Michael Crow and Helios President and CEO Paul J. Luna, and describes the impact it has had since inception. Beyond presentations, he has helped lead project development and traveled to schools throughout Arizona to showcase the opportunities that the ASU Helios Decision Center can provide for the betterment of students.
Vince Yanez, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at Helios Education Foundation, shared:
“The vision for the ASU Helios Decision Center was bold from the start, and it took the right leadership to bring it to life. Joe was selected as the Center’s first director because he had the expertise, credibility, and relationships needed to guide this work forward. What he has built has become a national model for how education systems can collaborate to strengthen data quality and use. His impact will be felt in schools, among students, and across communities for years to come.”
Rebecca McKay, incoming Director of Data & Technology, reflected on Joe’s leadership and impact:
“Joe led us into uncharted territory and showed us what was possible when vision meets determination. The work we accomplished as a team wasn’t just new—it was truly groundbreaking. Joe gave us the freedom and support to try things that had not been done before. And because he is so well respected in education circles, we have been trusted with sensitive data. I am grateful and proud of the work we have done to improve the education pipeline in Arizona.”
The ASU Helios Decision Center team deeply appreciates Dr. O’Reilly’s contributions, guidance, and leadership during its formative years. While we are sad to see him retire, we are excited for this next chapter and the continued impact we will have under new leadership.