Cognia Leader Chat

Noelle Ellerson Ng joined AASA in 2007 as a policy analyst. As associate executive director, she directs the advocacy and governance efforts of AASA. In this role she spearheads the organization’s work with Congress and the U.S. Department of Education. Her team is responsible for representing the voice and priorities of the nation’s public school superintendents in all aspects of federal education policy and uses member networks, outreach, policy analysis, and surveys and research to advance their work. She is responsible for the organization’s governance work, including direct support and management for the executive committee and governing board, as well as our 49 chartered state affiliates.

Eric Lent is Chief Marketing Officer at World 50. Prior to World 50, Eric was the Senior Vice President, Upscale Brands at Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) where he was responsible for driving demand and achieving global growth objectives for a +$5 Bln business unit. Outside of work, Eric is an advisor to 48in48, an organization dedicated to building websites for nonprofits. Previously, he served as Board Chairman for the Towson University College of Business and Economics, where he received the Dean’s Recognition Award for his lifetime of career successes.

Dr. Tarece Johnson (goes by Dr. Tarece) is the first ever African American Female Board Member in Gwinnett County, GA. The first Black Board member was elected just two years ago. She earned a BA from La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Puerto Rico) and a MPA (Columbia University), a MBA (Emory University), and doctorate in education! She is an educational leader, entrepreneur, and teacher. She is a diversity, equity, inclusion, justice professional, advocate, activist, author, and an artist.

Dr. Nicole Holmes is the Chief Academic officer in Cherokee County Schools. Dr. Holmes, who has 22 years of educational experience including 14 years in leadership, earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Spelman College followed by a master's degree in the field from Brenau University. She earned leadership and supervision certification from Jacksonville State University and her doctorate in teacher leadership from Walden University. After teaching in Atlanta and Cobb public schools, Dr. Holmes joined CCSD in 2002 as assistant principal of Bascomb Elementary School and continued in that role for three years.

Dr. Duke Bradley is the Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Schools for the Beauford County School District in South Carolina. Dr. Bradley holds a B.A. in English Literature from Morehouse College, M.A.T. from Brown University, a law degree from John Marshall Law School and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has also completed the Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Leading Change in Education Systems Program of Study. Dr. Bradley was also the Principal of Banneker High School in Fulton County GA- a SPECTACULAR and INSPIRATIONAL story of the power of leadership and community.

Dr. Reva Cosby is the Superintendent of Trotwood-Madison City Schools in Ohio, and the past superintendent of Healthy City Schools, near Cincinnati. We know women are underrepresented in top school district leadership roles. We also know men and men AND women of color are unrepresented as well. As we celebrate Black History Month, Reva's perspective honors her own accomplishments and gives us all hope for the future.

Despite the well-known benefits, many leaders remain resistant to the whole idea of self-care. This resistance often stems from a feeling that self-care is a sign of weakness, a feeling that they just don’t have time, or just generally rolling their eyes at the entire concept. Based Palena's experience as a leadership coach, Dr. Neale offers several suggestions to help leaders see the benefits of self-care, as well as some concrete strategies to incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine

Ever worry about future superintendent candidates? Are your curious about how to attract great leaders to your district? Hank Harris, president of Human Capital Enterprises, has worked with thousands of superintendents and district leaders. His insights are extremely helpful, and we look forward to continuing our discussion.

Tony Thomas (Superintendent) and Amy Sipes, Director of Human Resources for Northmont City Schools in Ohio transparently discuss strategies and the ups/downs of supporting students by having them in face-to-face instruction with teachers.

Luvelle Brown is an experienced educator who has held positions as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, school CIO, and Superintendent of Schools. Currently, Dr. Brown is serving as the Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) in Ithaca, New York. During his tenure in Ithaca, the Ithaca City School District has experienced unprecedented levels of success. He is the author of Culture of Love: Cultivating a Positive and Transformational Organizational Culture