John is a Career Educator and Non-Public Education Leader.
John Elcesser, an advocate and educator with a four-decade track record in non-public school education, has been named executive director of ADAC Advocacy, a non-profit organization that helps students in non-public schools obtain legally mandated services under federal educational law. Mr. Elcesser, a longtime leader in the School Choice movement, will assume the post on July 1, managing ADAC Advocacy’s day-to-day responsibilities, continuing to expand the non-profit’s national reach and educating students and families on their rights under federal education law.
“We are so blessed to have John leading our ADAC Advocacy efforts, capping a 40-year-career of working in and on behalf of private schools, and championing the interests of students,” said Steve Perla, President of ADAC and the ADAC Advocacy Board of Directors.
Mr. Elcesser’s influence and impact on education nationwide makes him very well suited to work with state departments around the country to ensure non-public school students are receiving legally mandated services that are offered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), federal education laws that ADAC Advocacy advocates for on behalf of students, families and educators.
Prior to joining ADAC, he served for nearly two decades as the executive director of the Indiana Non-Public Education Association (INPEA), where he championed the interests of over 400 non-public schools in the state. As an integral figure within the broader School Choice Coalition, Mr. Elcesser contributed to Indiana’s prominence in the Education Reform movement in the United States, particularly in the area of private school choice, and was able to achieve universal choice for Hoosiers in his last legislative session with INPEA. In 2018, NCEA honored him with the Leonard DeFiore Parental Choice Advocate Award, and in September 2024, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the state’s highest honor, which recognizes individuals for their distinguished service or significant contributions to the state.
“I have witnessed the profound impact ADAC has on students, families and educators who are navigating the complexities of federal education law. I am eager to continue advocating for students and their families and broadening the reach of ADAC nationwide,” said John Elcesser.
Mr. Elcesser has served as an elementary and high school principal and superintendent of schools for the Roman Catholic dioceses of Richmond and Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia. A past inaugural member of the National Advisory Board for Catapult Learning and a present member of Center for Vibrant Schools Board of Visitors at Marian University, Mr. Elcesser holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree from Marshall University. He and his wife Jill have two children, Anna and Zach. John is a member of St. Simon the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis.
About ADAC Advocacy
ADAC Advocacy ensures that private school leaders access their schools’ equitable share of both the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA) funded services. During the past five years, ADAC Advocacy has secured over $100 million of new funding for services.