Meet our team

Willie Banks III has over 20 years of leadership experience in private and charter schools. As Principal of STEAM Academy of Warrensville Heights, he leads an inclusive learning environment where high expectations, clear goals, and collaboration with parents and educators drive student success. Banks holds a BA in English and a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum Design, Instruction, and Leadership. He has served as ACCEL Schools’ Director of Family and Community Engagement as well as principal for Wright Preparatory Academy and Wright Academy. A strong proponent of school choice, he was the founding principal of Greater Heights Academy, one of the first charter schools in Cleveland.

Mrs. Dillions joined ACCEL Schools in 2018 with over 25 years of experience as a K-12 educator and principal. As Senior Vice President of Turnaround Schools, she oversees leadership development, instructional programming, operations, and strategic planning. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, Mrs. Dillions worked for Cleveland Municipal School District where she served as Head Principal for over 10 years and systematically turned-around low-performing schools into schools of academic success and achievement. Mrs. Dillions holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Master’s degree in Education – Adult Learning & Development, and completed the post graduate Educational Administration Program, all from Cleveland State University. She has also completed the post graduate Urban Superintendents Program at Harvard University. In February 2020, Mrs. Dillions was awarded by Radio One as a Future History Maker of the City of Cleveland.