2025- Present

VICE PRESIDENT, Acelero

A national early learning organization dedicated to improving kindergarten readiness and educational equity for children from birth to age five.

Spearheaded multi-year growth initiatives, to expand the organization’s reach from 75K+ to over 1 million children across multiple states by 2034, aligning efforts with national and state education priorities.
Led the design and deployment of a scalable, equity-driven early learning model, increasing access for 5,000+ children in underserved communities across four states.
Built and managed strategic partnerships with community networks, public systems, and national organizations to advocate for equitable early childhood education and improve systemic access.
Leveraged innovative tools and data analytics to streamline operations, drive informed decision-making, and achieve measurable improvements in program effectiveness.
Aligned cross-functional teams and external networks to develop and execute scalable solutions that support both organizational goals and community needs.
Developed and managed cross-functional strategies to enhance early learning outcomes, ensuring that grant-funded initiatives align with broader organizational objectives.
Championed equity-focused advocacy efforts by fostering partnerships with national organizations and local networks, addressing systemic barriers in early childhood education.

EXPERIENCE

CONSULTANT; Self-employed

2017- Present

I specialize in driving transformative change in education and workforce development through strategic planning, curriculum innovation, and program management. With a proven track record of revitalizing struggling schools and organizations, I design tailored solutions in operations, professional development, and partnerships to meet evolving industry demands. My approach prioritizes efficiency, innovation, and dynamic team building, creating lasting impact and exceeding organizational goals.

DIRECTOR: ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING, CURRICULUM, PARTNERSHIPS; SCHOOL OPERATIONS; SORA

September 2020 - November 2023

A live, accredited, virtual ed-tech start-up high school designed to accelerate student growth. An inquiry and project-based environment where students create their projects, choose their timelines, and set their own learning pace.

· Advisor to and thought leader for the company and founders on long-term goals, strategies, capabilities, and operations

· Development of curriculum program, instructional models, evaluation methodologies

· Collaborator for unique Learning Management and Information System

· Outreach to and key liaison for partner companies and individuals to expand and grow network and partnerships

· Develop, create, and implement a new comprehensive curricular model serving grades 6-12, gap year, and post-graduate students

· Enhance and lead the design, implementation, and management of all partner activities

· Build and manage strategy for partners and business development to ensure achievement of vision and project management of strategic priorities

· Create training, management, and operational processes that are actionable, collaborative, and scalable

· Develop, implement, curate, and reform all aspects of curriculum and programming

· Air traffic control for all initiatives--understanding and identifying intentional and unintentional impacts of changes, staffing, goals, and processes

GRANT REVIEWER, US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Contracted

Grant and peer reviewer for a variety of programs administered by the US Department of Education serving state and local education agencies.

SENIOR DIRECTOR, EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT; ACT, INC

January 2014 - July 2020

A multi-million-dollar international non-profit company providing learning, measurement, and navigation products and solutions for secondary/post-secondary educators and students, employees, and employers.

· Responsible for bridging the needs of the ACT external community and stakeholders with the needs of the ACT solutions and services organization

· Manage and support the development of customer advocacy strategy and plan aligned with sales, marketing, and customer needs

· Formed and led 6-person regional team to manage 20K volunteers in all 50 states and DC to develop grassroots advocacy, host large-scale conferences (30 per year), and work to eliminate the skills gap by connecting the outcomes of K12 and postsecondary to career

· Designed and executed a comprehensive workforce and economic development plan with a 6-person regional team that serves 500+ counties/parishes and 25,000+ employers across the US

· Managed and executed 30+ state, national, and international learning and professional development conferences from conception to delivery

· Created and implemented professional development and learning services group delivering standard and customized training domestically and internationally

ADMINISTRATOR, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST; RANKIN COUNTY SCHOOLS

July 2003 - January 2014

Third largest school district in the state serving 20K students.

· Oversaw the transformation of low performing Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 6 school into an academically successful and model behavioral status school

· Orchestrated community resources to provide health, mental, and financial services to students and families

· Led all aspects of Title I school, grants, PBIS, and funding

· Lead administrator of all instructional, social, and facility needs

· Led Grade 9-12 high school to achieve national awards for growth in academic achievement

· Served on Governor’s special committee for performance-based pay program

· Oversaw all planning and implementation of staff development, training, and coaching; executed all observations, evaluations, and feedback to

ensure high quality of learning

· Numerous Awards including Silver Award from SREB/High Schools that Work, PBIS Implementation, Professional Development

TEACHER, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST; JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

August 1997 - July 2003

Classroom teacher; specialist serving teachers and administrators in 8 elementary school, 1 middle and 1 high school. Responsible for data analysis and instructional recommendations, training and professional development.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (P/T); AMANA COLONIES HISTORICAL SITES FOUNDATION

September 2020-September 2022

A community non-profit dedicated to preserving the many historical structures of the community listed on the National Historic Register for preservation and economic development.

· Establish goals, objectives, and operation plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors

· Develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization through fundraising, grants, in-kind donations, and revenue generation

· Ensure historic preservation is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach

· Managed over $500K in grants, 15+ historic properties, and all business operations

Other Engagements

Service on Governor's State Art Council
Board member for non-profit organizatios
Service on Governor's Performance Based Pay Committee
Board Member with Mississippi Early Childhood Association; Annual Conference Chair
Middle East & Africa Association of Test Publishers Conference committee and Conference Emcee
Girl Scouts Heart of the South Area Associate Director
SACS Accreditation Team member
High Schools That Work (HSTW) Technical Assistance Evaluation
Southern Regional Education Bureau (SREB) lead for Florence High School; Silver Award Recipient
DEI Ambassador for ACT, Inc
Public Affairs Council committee member and annual conference planner
Education Lobbyist