MSCS announces leadership appointments ahead of next school year
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Tennessee’s largest school district announced its picks for several leadership positions on Thursday ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
Gary Hannah Jr., the former superintendent of Canton Public Schools in central Mississippi, has accepted the position of chief of staff and will bring with him more than 25 years of experience in public education to Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
“We welcome Mr. Hannah’s vision, experience, and deep commitment to equity and student success as he joins the MSCS leadership team,” the district said in a statement.
MSCS has also appointed Dr. Shuanta Broadway as chief of student support services.
Her history of leadership in large, urban school districts has most recently led her to create a district-wide strategic plan for advancing student outcomes and driving internal improvement at Allentown School District in Pennsylvania, where she also conducted an equity audit and established new systems compliant with Title IX.
MSCS has also appointed two new regional superintendents: published author and Urban Education doctoral candidate Lischa Brooks, and MSCS’ current director of opportunity and access, Dr. Michael Lowe.
Brooks most recently served as chief of schools at KIPP Memphis, where all three schools achieved TVAAS Level 5 and Reward School distinctions.
And Dr. Lowe assumes his new position with more than 28 years of educational experience as a former teacher, coach, principal, and regional superintendent of the legacy “Shelby County Schools.”
MSCS also highlighted other leadership appointees Thursday who have already begun their service within the district.
"Each brings a wealth of experience in public education and a strong track record of driving positive outcomes for students, schools, and communities. Their leadership will play a vital role in advancing the district’s priorities and ensuring continued momentum across our schools," the district said in its announcement.
Those appointees are as follows:
- Crystal Oliver — chief of human resources
- Carolyn Washington Jackson — interim chief of safety and security
- Cedric Smith and Dr. F. Kevin Malone — regional directors of school operations
- Dr. Lenora Hogan — director of career and technical education
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