Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is turning the page to a new chapter of leadership, ushering in a team of seasoned instructional leadership coaches, regional superintendents and executive title changes. The district says these moves are more than personnel shifts. They’re part of a long-term strategy to raise the bar for student achievement and equity.
“Strong schools are built by strong leaders,” said MSCS leadership in a written statement. “These appointments reflect our belief that every child in Memphis deserves the highest quality education possible.”
Coaches who build leaders
Eight instructional leadership coaches will take on one of the most critical roles in the district — mentoring principals, guiding instruction and ensuring classrooms are places of growth and opportunity.
Grace Bailey, who launched a nationally recognized tutoring program in Nashville that has served more than 18,000 students, is returning home to Memphis to share her expertise. Harvard-educated Ashley Croft-Callery is coming back to the city where her love for education began, eager to serve the families who inspired her career.
Veteran leader Dr. Charlotte Danley spent nearly two decades transforming White Station Middle into a high-achieving, inclusive environment. Dr. Drayton Hawkins, known for pushing Oak Ridge High School to record graduation rates, brings a relentless focus on equity and rigor.
Shari Jones, a 25-year MSCS veteran, has raised graduation rates and achieved Level 5 growth through a community-first leadership style. Kimbra Turner-McBride, once chief academic officer of Promise Academy Charter Schools, is known for dramatic academic turnarounds.
Dr. Leviticus Pointer, “The Turnaround Specialist,” and Dr. Janice Tankson, who champions strategic collaboration, round out a powerhouse group committed to supporting school leaders from day one.
Regional leadership with local roots
MSCS is also expanding its regional oversight with three new regional superintendents.
Dr. Terrence Brittenum, named MSCS Principal of the Year in 2022, is celebrated for merging rival schools and leading them to Reward School status. Dr. Kymberli R. Chandler, who has taken schools from the state’s bottom 5% to top honors, says she sees educators as “the cavalry” who empower children to become their best selves.
Dr. Debra Fox-Stanford, who has dedicated 28 years to MSCS, has a track record of lifting struggling schools off the State Priority List through strategic, results-driven leadership.
Executive shifts for strategic growth
The district’s executive team is also seeing key title changes to strengthen its academic and operational direction.
Dr. Angela Whitelaw, now chief academic officer, has served MSCS for more than 30 years, driving sustained district-wide growth. Tito Langston, newly named chief of business operations, oversees the district’s $2.2 billion budget with a focus on transparency and efficiency. Alisha Coleman-Kiner, promoted to deputy chief academic officer, is known nationally for her student-centered leadership and transformational work at Booker T. Washington High School.
Looking ahead
These appointments, which take effect for the 2025–2026 school year, come at a time when the district is emphasizing not just academic growth but the broader mission of creating thriving school communities.
“Our students deserve leaders who believe in their unlimited potential,” MSCS leadership said. “With this team in place, we are ready to deliver on that promise.”
With the school year already in motion, these leaders are stepping into their roles ready to make an immediate impact. From classrooms to boardrooms, their influence will be felt in lesson plans, school culture and the opportunities students receive.
For MSCS, the appointments aren’t just about filling positions — they’re about ensuring every student, in every zip code, has the leadership behind them to thrive.
