SuperEval Announces Leadership Transition as Bob Hartz Accepts New Opportunity

Buffalo, NY – August 2025

SuperEval today announced that Bob Hartz, the long-time Vice President of Strategic Partnership Development, will be leaving the organization on September 5, 2025, to pursue an exceptional new opportunity with the start-up company ThinkTech. Hartz’s departure marks the close of an extraordinary 18-year chapter in which he played a pivotal role in building and nurturing relationships with education leaders across New York State.

Hartz, who has been part of the SuperEval family since its earliest days and a friend and colleague to many since the University at Buffalo in 2003, played a pivotal role in our journey from an innovative project within UB to the independent organization we are today. Bob was there as we transitioned from higher education into the private sector, helping to establish the mission, relationships, and service philosophy that continue to define us. His contributions have been a driving force behind our growth, presence, and partnerships in the education leadership community.

“Bob’s impact on our organization cannot be overstated,” said Donald Jacobs, Ph.D., Executive Chairman of PLS 3rd Learning. “From his commitment to our mission to his unwavering ability to build authentic relationships, Bob has helped shape SuperEval into what it is today. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism over the years, and we wish him the very best as he begins this exciting next chapter.”

“It has been an honor to represent SuperEval and work alongside such talented colleagues and inspiring education leaders,” said Bob Hartz, Vice President of Strategic Partnership Development. “The relationships I’ve formed here are ones I will carry with me always, both in my professional journey and in my personal life. As I step into this new chapter with ThinkTech and return to my entrepreneurial roots, I reflect with profound gratitude on my time at SuperEval. To the superintendents and educational leaders in the K–12 community who placed their trust in us, supported our mission, and allowed us to serve you, thank you for making this work so meaningful.”

During his tenure, Hartz became one of the most well-known and respected partnership executives among superintendents and educational leaders in New York State, earning admiration for both his professional expertise, personal warmth, and authenticity.

Reflecting on their nearly two decades working together, Michael Horning, Jr., Group President and Chief Innovation Officer of SuperEval, said, “Since 2003, Bob has been more than a colleague. He has been a trusted friend, a steadfast partner, and a cornerstone of our success. From our NYLearns days to today’s SuperEval initiative, his dedication, vision, and unwavering work ethic have shaped who we are as an organization. It’s hard to imagine our work without him, but I’m truly excited for the new chapter ahead in his journey. Bob’s leadership, integrity, and friendship have left an indelible mark on our team, our partners, and on me personally. While we will no longer share the day-to-day as colleagues, we will always share the bond of friendship.”

As part of the transition, Gretchen Restino, a long-time Partnership Executive and proven leader for SuperEval in multiple states, will assume leadership of New York State relationships. Building on the strong foundation Bob helped establish, Gretchen will continue supporting our New York partners with the same dedication and commitment to relationships that have defined SuperEval. “While Bob is truly irreplaceable, Gretchen’s experience, expertise, and dedication to our mission will ensure continued support and success for our New York partners,” Horning added.

Bob’s influence will continue to be felt across the many districts and leaders he has supported over the years. Guided by the foundation he helped establish, SuperEval remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing leadership evaluations, fostering strong and collaborative relationships with education leaders nationwide, and creating a confident and optimistic path forward for the organization and those we serve.

About SuperEval

SuperEval is an innovative, research-based digital platform designed to transform leadership evaluations into meaningful opportunities for reflection, professional growth, and organizational improvement. With a platform that promotes leadership standards for excellence, SuperEval empowers education leaders and boards to go beyond compliance, fostering continuous improvement and creating the conditions for student success to flourish.