Introducing AJ Viola, Director of Finance

Most recently, he held the position of principal/venture builder at Endurance Companies, a multifamily investment office launching mission-driven startups in healthcare and financial technology. Prior to that, AJ co-founded and spent four years as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Kindred Uncommon, a development company based in Austin, TX aimed at building thoughtfully designed living communities for older adults that emphasize longevity and social health. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help build the future of Live Oak,” Viola says. “Through every step of the process I was impressed with the thoughtfulness and caliber of the people I met, and the sense of connection throughout the school is palpable. I look forward to being an active member of the staff, faculty, student, and parent communities and can’t wait to meet everyone!”

A first-generation college graduate, AJ earned his degree in psychology from Stanford in 2006. AJ went on to earn his MBA at Harvard Business School in 2010. Between academic pursuits, he served as a business analyst with United Way Silicon Valley before spending three years in the MBA Leadership Development Program with McMaster-Carr, an industry-leading industrial supply company. AJ used his education and experience to work his way up to a leadership position over a six-year stint at Equalize Health, a nonprofit health technology company serving high needs hospitals and clinics, elevating from product manager of newborn health, to director of strategy and finance, until ultimately achieving a post as the COO.  

“AJ easily emerged as a first choice candidate in a competitive search for Live Oak's next Director of Finance,” said Head of School Virginia Paik. “As a candidate, he demonstrated an outstanding capacity to understand the school's present powers and future strategic opportunities. AJ's leadership at Live Oak will ensure the school's resources and assets are in direct service to an educational program that expands our students' potential and promise.”

A native of New York, AJ has always felt at home in California, and enjoys sailing, surfing, reading fiction, and motorcycling outside of work.

We are eager for AJ to begin meeting our students and families as we approach the new school year, but in the meantime AJ can be reached at aj_viola@liveoaksf.org.