Rachel L. Ballard, Ph.D.
Director of Equity & Innovation Madison County School System Dr. Ballard has worked in the field of education for almost 20 years serving as a teacher, academic dean, principal, head of school, an educational consultant, an executive director for a non-profit Village of Promise, and is currently the Director of Equity & Innovation. Dr. Ballard has led efforts to increase student and family engagement, improve academic achievement, led strategic planning and accreditation efforts, enhance community collaboration, and fundraising efforts that have totaled over $20 million. She is married with three children. |
Bill Bergeron, Ph.D.
Assistant professor of Educational Leadership The University of Alabama Dr. Bergeron currently serves as an assistant professor of educational leadership for The University of Alabama. His background includes 22 years in the military in a variety of leadership roles both as a Non-Commissioned Officer and as a Commissioned Officer. Bergeron has also served in a variety of other capacities throughout his career including Police Officer, Teacher, High School Principal, and Director of Alternative Programs. His research includes research in High Poverty-High Minority Rural Schools, Alternative Settings, and Restorative Justice. To date he has published several articles and given more than 10 presentations. In addition, Dr. Bergeron has taught a variety of leadership courses delivered in a variety of formats |
Carolyn Broaden
Director of Federal Programs Director of Curriculum & Instruction Mrs. Broaden has 28 years in public education. In addition to her current roles, she serves as the Federal Programs Regional Representative for the Alabama State Department of Education. Prior to her current position(s), Mrs. Broaden was an ARI reading specialist, assistant principal, and K-12 director of curriculum and instruction She is a member of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), Women in Educational Leadership, and the National Association of Federal Education Programs Administrators (NAFEPA) amongst many others. Mrs. Broaden has a passion for doing what is best for all children and is committed to serving the students and educators of Alabama. Mrs. Broaden is married to Charles Broaden and they have five beautiful children. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. |
Kevin Davis, Ed. D.
Muscle Shoals High School Principal Dr. Davis has served 17 years in education as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal. He has worked in four different school systems and graduated with his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University. He is currently a member of Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), the Alabama Association for School Principals (AASP), amongst other professional organizations. He is married with two children and enjoys traveling and spending time on the Tennessee River. He is a huge music fan and enjoys traveling, hunting, and fishing in his spare time. |
Michele Eller, Ph. D.
Sylacauga City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eller has been in education for more than twenty years. Prior to her current position as the Sylacauga City Schools superintendent, she served in a variety of capacities including assistant superintendent, director of teaching and learning, instructional consultant, secondary instructional specialist, and teacher. Dr. Eller has also been instrumental in cultivating valuable community partnerships and empowering teachers to create opportunities for students to succeed. She is passionate about student success, striving to ensure that every student recognizes his or her full potential with the ability to graduate workforce ready. Dr. Eller gracefully balances her career duties with her obligations of being a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of eight. |
Nathan Fuller
New Bethel Elementary School Principal Mr. Fuller has been in education for upwards of 16 years, and prior to his current position, served as a teacher for 9th Grade World History and Government/Economics for seniors at Cherokee High School for 13 years. Mr. Fuller’s career goals include becoming a superintendent and to provide as many students as possible in a rural district with the education and skills they need to reverse the cycle of poverty in their own families. Mr. Fuller is also married with 2 children. |
Eric F. Hines
Eastwood Middle School Principal Mr. Hines currently serves as the principal of Eastwood Middle School in Tuscaloosa. Prior to his current position, Hines was an assistant principal and building principal. Hines has led a steady progression of academic improvement at EMS, having increased the State Report Card grade by 14 points in a two-year span. Through the innovative practices of Restorative Justice and Kingdom Principle's (Character Education), school culture is central to affecting change at Eastwood. Hines also mentors current and future building administrators through wisdom, relationship building and current trends in education and is a current member of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). |
Sharon Alicia Hunsberger, Ed. D.
Louis Pizitz Middle School Principal Dr. Hunsberger has been in education for upwards of 20 years. She has served in a variety of roles including a special education teacher, assistant principal, elementary principal, and currently serves as Principal of Louis Pizitz Middle School. Alicia is passionate about cultivating a culture of collaboration in schools. She seeks to prioritize character education as well. Alicia works to provide every child with a learning experience that encourages kindness, courage and collaboration. In addition to serving in her community, she enjoys investing in service opportunities globally. |
Tatshum Johnson, Ed. D
Professional Development Supervisor & Curriculum Coordinator Chilton County Schools Dr. Johnson has served as a public-school educator for the past 26 years. She has served Chilton County students as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and central office administrator, prior to her current role as a professional development and curriculum coordinator. Dr. Johnson is involved in with Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), founder of Reading, Art and Games (RAG) Time Children’s Program, a Church of God in Christ youth teacher and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. |
Margaret M. Jones, Ed.D.
Edgewood Commerce and Entrepreneurship Academy Principal Dr. M. Jones has been in education for upwards of twenty-two years and has served in various positions including classroom teacher, assessment specialist within the ALSDE, special education and assessment coordinator, executive director of learning supports, director of student social services and School Principals of Alabama Association. Dr. Jones is also the President of Region IV of Elementary School Administrators, a board member for Christian Services for Children in Alabama (CSCA) amongst several other professional and civic organizations. A quote by novelist James Baldwin, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced", is the mantra by which she lives to support the scholars and families that she serves. She is married to Dr. Corey Jones, and collectively have four children (Moriah, Corey II, Lydia, and Wells). |
Eric Kirkman, Ed. D.
Assistant Professor & Director Kilby Laboratory School Dr. Kirkman has been in education for upwards of 21 years serving as a music director, vice principal, career tech director and principal at the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels. He is also involve in the Council of Leaders in Alabama (CLAS), sits on the board for the International Association of Laboratory schools and the NAESO Professional Learning Advisory Council. In his spare time, Dr. Kirkman enjoys working on home improvement projects, spending time with his wife and two boys, and playing piano, trumpet and saxophone professionally with his band, “The Kirkman Combo”. |
Quentin J. Lee, Ed. D.
Talladega City School system Superintendent Dr, Lee is the superintendent of Talladega City Schools. He has spent 15 years in education service as band director, coach, assistant principal, principal, and currently serves as the superintendent of Talladega City Schools. Dr. Lee has served as an ambassador for change by incorporating character education in school cultures. He’s the recipient of the Dr. Deborah Wolfe Principals of the year, Go Be Great Award, and the Excellence in Education Award. Dr. Lee has gone Viral several times as an educator and interviewed by several celebrities on many national platforms |
Alicia Lyles, Ph. D.
Eufaula City Schools Federal Programs Director Dr. Lyles has been in education for 32 years. Prior to her current role as the Federal Programs director in Eufaula City Schools, Dr. Lyles held positions as a federal programs director in Chambers County, guidance counselor, and special education teacher. She is also involved in the Council for Leaders in Alabama (CLAS), the National & Alabama chapters of Association of Federal Programs Administrators, as well as the National & Alabama state chapters of the education association. Dr. Lyles is married to Dennis Lyles and is a mother of 5. |
Allison Mays, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Human Resources Tuscaloosa County Schools Dr. Mays has been in Education for 20 years. She currently serves as the Sr. Director of Human Resources for the Tuscaloosa County School System. She has served in a variety of other capacities including high school principal, assistant principal, and teacher – all with the Tuscaloosa County School System. Dr. Mays is the current President of the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators, an affiliate of Alabama’s Council for Leaders of Alabama Schools (CLAS). |
Marlon B. Murray, Ed. S.
Principal/Administrator Northport Career Tech Annex, Tuscaloosa County High School Mr. Murray has been in education for 23 years and currently serves as the principal/administrator for Northport Career Tech Annex. Prior to his current position, Murray served as Principal of David Emerson Middle School. He has also served as an assistant principal, teacher, and adjunct professor. Mr. Murray is involved with Council for Leaders in Alabama (CLAS), Alabama Association of Secondary School Principal (AASSP), and the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) as a super 7 member/host amongst many other professional organizations. |
Robin Netherton
Principal Vinemont High School Mr. Netherton is the current principal of Vinemont High School and has served as an administrator in Cullman County for the past 7 years. Prior to becoming principal, Netherton was a general science teacher and coach for 10 years and loved every second of it. He is also involved with the Council for School Leaders of Alabama (CLAS) and was the 2019 recipient of the Principal of the Year for Cullman County for 2019. His future ambitions include serving as a superintendent in the State of Alabama. Netherton is a follower of Christ, a husband and married with two awesome sons. |
Cincrystal Poythress, Ph.D.
Principal Beulah High School Dr. Poythress has spent 17 years in the field of education, six as a special education teacher and eleven as an administrator. She is a member of the Council for Leaders in Alabama (CLAS) and the Alabama Association of Secondary Principals (AASSP). She is currently married to a science guru and has three wonderful children. Dr. Poythress considers herself to be observant, calm amidst turmoil, and look for the silver lining in every cloud. She enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family |
Chris Robbins, Ed. D.
Berry Middle School Principal Dr. Robbins has been an educator since 1998. After serving in various teacher and administrator roles for fifteen years, Dr. Robbins was named to his current position as principal at Berry Middle School in 2013. Dr. Robbins has received outstanding alumni awards from both Samford University School of Education (2015) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education (2019). In 2019, Dr. Robbins credentialed as a Certified Instructional Leader (CIL), sponsored by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and earned Google Educator Level I Certification. Dr. Robbins has a passion for engaging with people and places around the world; he has traveled to 18 different countries on 5 continents. |
Orletta J. Rush, Ed. D.
Jefferson County School District Deputy Superintendent Dr. Rush been in education for upwards of 24 years serving in all levels of public education. Prior to her appointment as Deputy Superintendent, she served in a variety of capacities including, principal, assistant principal, reading interventionist, teacher, and as Executive Director of Special Initiatives. Dr. Rush is also involved as a member of Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators, and School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA), amongst other professional organizations. |
Bradley A. Scott, Ed. D.
Blossomwood Elementary School Principal Dr. Scott has been in education for 25 years including eight years as a classroom teacher and seventeen years as an administrator. His strengths include building positive school cultures, valuing and increasing the expertise and experience of educators, and partnering with families and the community to sustain success. His honors include being chosen to participate in the pilot of the Dynamic Learning Project funded by Google and Digital Promise with training at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, California. In addition, Dr. Scott was recognized by CLAS and NAESP as one of three finalists for the 2020 National Distinguished Principal Award for Alabama. |
Chris Shaw
Sparkman High School Principal Mr. Shaw has a served as a high school principal for 16 years of which 7 have been at Sparkman High School. Prior to his current position, he worked in a variety of capacities including athletic director, teacher, and head coach for volleyball, football, and basketball. Mr. Shaw is a was named Principal of the Year for the state of Georgia in 2009 and was most recently named District 8 Alabama Secondary School Principal of the Year for 2019. |
Christy Powell Shepard, Ed. D.
Director of Human Resources Oxford City Schools Dr. Shepard has been in education for 20 years with teaching and administrative experiences in elementary, middle, high school, as well as some post-secondary experience. Early in 2020, graduated from the national Aspiring Superintendent's Academy through Alabama Association of School Administrators (AASA). She is also involved in Council for Leaders in Alabama (CLAS), Superintendents of Alabama (SSA), and Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA). She is also the current president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. |
Farrell Seymore, Ph. D.
Opelika High School Principal Dr. Seymore has been an educator for 24 years, serving the children of his community as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both the middle school and high school levels. Dr. Seymore has also served in various leadership roles throughout the state including two terms as president of the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals and one year as president of the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals. He was recognized as the Alabama High School Principal of the Year in 2015 and currently serves as a member of the Central Board of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), and the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). In his spare time. Dr. Seymore enjoys fishing, reading, and playing his collection of over 200 strategy board games. |
Michael South, Ed.D.
W.C. Handy Early Childhood Development Center Principal Dr. South’s career spans over 22 years having served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, Federal Programs Coordinator, an elementary principal, and an early childhood principal for Sheffield City Schools and Florence City Schools. He currently serves as the principal for the W. C. Handy School Early Childhood Development Center for Florence City Schools. Dr. South is involved with Council for Leaders of Alabama Schools, Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA), and National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). He serves as the president of AAESA for District I and Co-Chair of Membership. |
Robert Stewart, Ed. D.
Director of Federal Programs Hale County Schools Dr. Robert Stewart has been in education for 15 years, 9 of which have been in administration. Dr. Stewart has served in variety of capacities including teacher, coach, bus driver, transportation supervisor, assistant principal, technology coordinator and, currently director. He is currently involved as a member of the Alabama Educational Technology Association, Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, and Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology amongst other professional organizations. Dr. Stewart is the first person in his family to earn a doctoral degree in any field. |
Zel Thomas, Ph.D.
Superintendent Enterprise City Schools Dr. Thomas currently serves as the superintendent for Enterprise City Schools. He has been in education for over 27 years serving in several capacities including having taught second, third, and fourth grades, assistant principal at the elementary and high school levels, elementary and high school principal, elementary curriculum supervisor, student services supervisor, and assistant superintendent. Thomas is the current Vice President of CLAS district IV, a board member for the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, and on the National Board for the Directors for the National Beta Club amongst other professional organizations. What drives Dr. Thomas professionally is his desire to ensure all students have a fair and equitable opportunity to a quality education which hopefully leads them to a better life. Dr. Thomas values his accomplishments in education, but he is most proud of being a dedicated husband and father to his wife and their two wonderful daughters. |
Stewart Thorson
Principal, Chapman Elementary School Huntsville City Schools Mr. Thorson has been in educational leadership with Huntsville City Schools for over 16 years. He has served in several capacities including assistant principal for the middle school and high school levels, as well as principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He is the current principal at Chapman Elementary School. Prior to his career in education, Thorson was a member of the Million Dollar Band (1994-1999) at the University of Alabama. He currently resides in Huntsville, AL with his family and prides himself on being a life-long learner, educator, and fan of his beloved Crimson Tide. |
William Tribble
Executive Director of Human Resources Limestone County School District Mr. Tribble has been in public education for 16 years. He has served in several capacities including teacher, assistant principal, and principal, all in the Limestone County School District. Tribble currently serves as the Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations in Limestone County Schools. Mr. Tribble is also involved with the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, Alabama Christian Educators Association, and Alabama High School Athletic Coaches and Directors Association. |
Laura Ware, Ed.D
Deputy Superintendent Jefferson County Schools Dr. Ware has over twenty-four years of experience in K-12 education. Prior to her current position, she served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and technology director. She is a member of the Alabama Leaders in Education Technology (ALET), supervision and Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). In her spare time, Dr. Ware enjoys reading, physical fitness, and traveling. |
Jarvis Watkins
Pleasant Grove High School Principal Mr. Watkins has been in education since 1966, holding a variety of positions including teacher, assistant principal, and currently principal. He is a current member of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Watkins has a passion for architectural design and briefly considered it as a career during college. |
David West, Ed. D.
Safety and Security Coordinator Madison City Schools Dr. West has been in education for over 17 years, serving in a variety of capacities including teacher, educational consultant, assistant principal, and principal. Prior to becoming an educator, Dr. West served 5 years in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. He is currently involved in the Council for Leaders in Alabama (CLAS), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and State Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) amongst other professional organizations. He is passionate about education and enjoys traveling, fishing, running, and spending time with family |
Kevin Wieseman
Principal Florence Middle School Mr. Wieseman has been in education for 29 years and is currently in his 5th year as Principal of Florence Middle School in Florence City Schools. Prior to becoming principal, he served 18 years at Huntsville High School including serving in the classroom and on the field. Mr. Wieseman also served in Huntsville City Schools Central Office as Director of Instructional support, director of extra curriculum activities, and principal at Lee High School. He is married to his wife, of whom is also a Principal at Sheffield High School in Sheffield City Schools and has two sons. |
Debra Wright, Ph. D.
Assistant Superintendent Dothan City Schools Dr. Wright currently serves an Assistant Superintendent for Dothan City Schools She has also served in a variety of other capacities within education including leadership roles at the school level as well as at the district level. She is a member of several professional organizations and continues to seek opportunities to share and publish action research in best practices. She continues to advocate for equity and social justice reform in educational practices through professional learning committee leadership focused on closing achievement gaps among subgroups. Dr. Wright is married with two children and service to others has always been the family business. |