Ms. Lori Ploessl Pickel

Ms. Lori Ploessl Pickel serves as Acting Chief Academic Officer, and Chief of Curriculum and Instruction Division, for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).

As Acting Chief Academic Officer, Ms. Pickel supports Director Schiavino-Narvaez in setting the strategic vision, and supporting the instructional framework and educational approach, for DoDEA's academic program.

As Chief of Curriculum and Instruction Division, Ms. Pickel is responsible for coordinating and maintaining system-wide curriculum and instruction to achieve excellence through PK- 12 educational programs that support elevated levels of student achievement.

Having been a Navy spouse for 30 years, Lori has served in various capacities within DoDEA and other military-connected school systems before becoming Chief of Curriculum and Instruction Division in 2021. Her roles have included being a classroom teacher, teacher-in-residence, instructional systems specialist, and program manager. She is deeply committed to increasing access to equitable learning, ensuring that all students can participate in and benefit from high-quality educational experiences. 

Ms. Pickel holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Florida. She is married to retired Navy Captain Joe Pickel, and they have one child, Joey.