Dr. Stacey Preis serves as Vice President of Education Programs for Aligned, where she leads efforts to translate evidence-based education policy and research into practical solutions that improve student outcomes across Missouri. In this role, she works with school districts, state agencies, and education leaders to develop and evaluate innovative programs, strengthen district operations, and identify effective practices that can be scaled statewide.

Stacey most recently led the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as Interim Commissioner from June to October 2026. She previously served four years as Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services at DESE and spent six years with the Missouri General Assembly as Executive Director of the Joint Committee on Education.

As the owner of Preis Consulting LLC, she has provided strategic support to clients across philanthropy, workforce development, and education. Her consulting work has included program evaluation, grant writing, grant management, policy drafting, teaching, and lobbying.

Stacey is a Senior Fellow with the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University. She holds three degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, including a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.