7101 Executive Center Dr
#333 First Floor, Part A
Brentwood, TN 37027

Phone: (615) 815-1264

info@leadpublicschools.org

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Dr. Ricki Gibbs II

Chief Executive Officer

BS in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Administration from Tennessee State University | Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University

I became a world changer at LEAD because I believe that every child deserves to attend a world class school no matter where they live. By choosing to do this work, I am leading by example and fulfilling the words of Angela Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I’m changing the things I cannot accept.”

I am extremely good at playing Madden and College Football on PlayStation. I have been ranked in the top 1,000 multiple times for online play. I have an open challenge for any scholar that attends one of our schools when they are ready.

LaVoe Mulgrew

Head of Schools – High Schools

BA in English from Vanderbilt University | MEd in English Education from Belmont University

I joined LEAD because of my unwavering belief that good schools should never be off limits to any children, regardless of race or socio/economic status.

Education was not my first career choice. I began teaching when my own children started school 25 years ago, and it’s the best career choice I ever made.

Dominique Smith

Head of Schools

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising. Went the non-traditional route to enter education and became part of Teach for America Miami-Dade Corps in 2013 where I got my start in education.

I LEAD because of the community that we serve in Madison. Being a neighborhood school allows us to see generations of families come through our doors. Years later when you see former students and families at graduations, sporting events, or community events it feels like you are seeing family members at your annual reunion. I have been blessed to be a part of this school’s transformation to excellence and we are still climbing. Our students and our families deserve the type of love and high quality education that we provide here at the Bend!

Growing up I loved playing school and forcing my younger sister to be my student. With my mom being a principal, I have gotten to follow in her footsteps.

Nic Frank

Human Resources

BA in Business Administration from Kent State University | MA in Special Education from University of Phoenix | SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

I LEAD because we have the opportunity to provide students with high academic expectations and the mindset that they are capable of exceeding those expectations.

My uncle was a gold medal swimmer in the Special Olympics. My grandparents were integral in starting organizations in both Ohio and Florida to support and promote the rights of people with disabilities. Their influence lead to my passion for working with students with all abilities.

Natalie Klem

Chief Academic Officer

B.A. from Miami University; M. Ed. from Lipscomb University

I never set out to build a long-term career in education, but the students and the incredible adults I’ve worked with have kept me here. I have seen firsthand how great teaching can transform lives and provide opportunities for students they might not have otherwise. That impact—seeing potential unlocked and futures changed—is what keeps me doing this work every day.

I have taught high school, middle school, and elementary school. I love them all for different reasons, but 5th graders have my heart!

Tony Majors

Chief Operating Officer

BS in Education, Physical Education, Health and Wellness from Tennessee State University | MS in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University | Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University

I LEAD because I believe all children deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Through education provide content knowledge and help students identify and build upon their own talents and strengths. This drives me and gives me purpose.

My grandparents lived one block away from the school and I grew up in the church next to Cameron. This community is part of who I am and I want to be a part of improving outcomes for our students and families.

Ashley Montgomery

Chief Financial Officer

BS in Accounting from The University of Phoenix

I lead because I believe in the transformational power of education in lives and communities. As a leader in this organization, I am committed to providing our students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that empowers our teachers and student to excel in the work – ultimately getting students ready for college and ready for life.

My side job is a dedicated dance mom! I wholeheartedly enjoy supporting my daughter’s passion for dance by spending countless hours at the studio. My expertise in costume rhinestone embellishment and my enthusiastic cheering in the crowd are assets to the team. Despite the constant exposure to dance. I’ve yet to acquire any dancing skills myself, but I’m content to cheer from the sidelines.

Eloise Alexis

Vice President of Development

BA in English from Spelman College | MEd in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University

The opportunity to serve LEAD students, educators and administrators is both an honor and a privilege. Together, we will partner with the greater community to fund the bold and brilliant imperative to graduate students who are ready for college and life!

Growing up in Nashville, I watched my parents, both educators, sacrifice and stand up for equity on behalf of students and schools. My passion for education started with these authentic experiences.

Maggie Sneed

Principal, Lead Academy High School

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Master of Arts In English, Western Kentucky University; Master of Arts in Teaching, Marian University

LEAD believes in the potential of every student, establishes an environment where each student can forge their most ambitious path, and challenges both students and staff to do their best work every day. The best part about LEAD is that alongside those high expectations comes a high level of support: no one is in the work alone.

I love to make lists! Each year, I make a list of all the books I read that year, memorable moments, and sweet or funny things my two children say or do. One of my favorite things to do at the end of every year is look back and see all the things I learned over the course of that year.

Meghan Stowe

Principal, LEAD Southeast High School

Bachelors of Journalism - University of Missouri; Masters in Educational Psychology - University of Colorado, Denver

As a principal, I seek to ignite the spirit of curiosity in students and transform high school hallways into pathways of potential and possibility.

I got into education because I was a summer and competitive swim team coach for many years. Watching kids achieve more than they thought was possible is one of the best feelings in the world.

Kathryn McKinzie

Principal, LEAD Neely’s Bend Middle School

BA, French - Concordia College, Moorhead MN | MEd, Educational Leadership - Louisiana State University

LEAD models a shared commitment to providing educational excellence and equity for ALL students and families. At LEAD, we work as a team to ensure that our students are growing at an accelerated pace and are on track for success in college and life.

I've been fortunate to teach and lead in a variety of schools in Louisiana. My favorite work is turnaround, because we get to collaborate to prove what is possible for kids. And after living in Louisiana for 20 years, I always travel with hot sauce!

Jonathan Brocco

Principal, LEAD Southeast Middle School

I attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for both my B.S. and M.Ed. degrees in Secondary Education.

As someone who grew up in the greater Nashville area, I love working at LEAD because it was built in Nashville, by Nashville, for Nashville families and students. There are wraparound supports at each level of the organization. Whether you are a 5th grade student, a tenth year teacher, or an executive leader, there is a dedicated community here to support and develop you!

I played on an album that won a Latin Grammy Award!

Taylor Bruner

Principal, LEAD Cameron Middle School

Graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin. Earned my Master of Science in Secondary Education from Johns Hopkins University.

I am fired up to do this work every day with passion, joy, and excellence because each day is a chance to build the world we want to see. All students deserve an exceptional education with rigorous academics, in a joyful and driven environment where they are truly seen by transformational teachers and staff.

I have lived in 6 states, am a thrill-seeker, and love musical theatre!

Stephanie Culliver

Principal, LEAD Southeast Elementary

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Corey Burton

Director of Enrollment and Family Engagement

BA in Political Science and Peace, Gender, and Diversity Studies from Xavier University | SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

As a native Nashvillian, I am proud that LEAD is committed to all of Nashville’s neighborhoods in its aim to provide a quality educational experience for its students and families.

I have a love of classic TV shows like Law and Order, The Andy Griffith Show, and Golden Girls. I enjoy all genres of music except for country. Some of my favorite concerts were Coldplay, J-Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino.

Jenny Sawyer

Director of Communications

BA in Radio/TV/Film from Auburn University

I grew up in a strong public school system in Alabama, and I firmly believe every child – regardless of their zip code – deserves access to an excellent learning experience that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. The future of our city is dependent on the quality of our public schools, and I am proud to be part of a team who is working to strengthen public schools in Nashville.

I love to cook. My favorite way to spend a Saturday is cooking a multi-course meal all afternoon and then enjoying that meal with the people I love. To me, cooking is a rewarding way to show the people around me how I feel about them, and I love being able to share that with my friends and family.