Dr. Marie N. Feagins, who began her term as Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent on April 1, 2024, announced her full transition team today. The diverse, talented group of local, state and national advisors will help Dr. Feagins craft and execute the District’s next strategic plan. 

“It is important for me to hit the ground running and see results fast where possible,” said Dr. Feagins. “I know my vision is strong and will yield positive outcomes. But the ‘how’ is equally important to the ‘what.’ These seasoned educators, students, and community and business leaders will share their journeys and provide sharp recommendations for solutions.”

Transition team members will offer their support, insight, and expertise in 5 key areas:

• Student Achievement
• Business Operations
• Strategic Communications & Partnerships 
• Next-Level Readiness 
• Inclusive Excellence

The group includes more than 60 individuals with a wide range of talents and perspectives, as well as deep knowledge of K-12 education, the 901 community and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. They are: 

Transition Team Co-Chairs:

Stefani Everson-Phillips - Director of External Communications, MSCS

JB Smiley, Jr. - Attorney, Smiley & Associates; Chairman, Memphis City Council

Student Achievement

Co-Chair: Dr. Angela Whitelaw - Deputy Superintendent, MSCS

Co-Chair: Dr. Cynthia Alexander Mitchell - Faculty Assembly Vice-President, Christian Brothers University

1. Dr. Melissa Collins - 2022-23 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, John P. Freeman K-8 

2. Jana Swearengen-Washington - Memphis City Council, Former Educator

3. Michael Whaley - Shelby County Commissioner, Former Teacher

4. Mallory Johnson Beard - Teacher, Riverwood Elementary

5. Dr. Pamela McKinley - Principal, East High School

6. Jerry Chappell - PLC Coach, Cordova High School

7. Danette Stokes - President, United Education Association

8. Jenena Sweezer - Professional School Counselor, Medical District High School

9. Dr. Bradley Breeden - Principal, White Station Elementary

10. Lauraetta Lockridge - Teacher, Central High School

Business Operations

Co-Chair: Tito Langston - Chief Financial Officer, MSCS

Co-Chair: Toney Armstrong - Former Chief of Police, Memphis Police Department

1. Chance Carlisle - Carlisle Corp, Memphis Tomorrow

2. Patrice Jordan Robinson - Presidential nominee, TVA Board of Directors; former member, MSCS School Board and Memphis City Council

3. Tyrone Burroughs - CEO and President, First Choice Sale

4. Michelle Stuart - Director of Facilities, MSCS

5. Kandace Stewart - Sr. Director of External Affairs & Business Operations, Memphis Grizzlies

6. Hendrell Remus - Former Director of Risk Management, Tennessee State University

7. Gina Sweat - Fire Chief, City of Memphis Fire Department

8. Mick Wright - Shelby County Commissioner

9. Sgt. Antoine Sherman - Supervisor of Special Events, MSCS Safety and Security

10. Jenikka Oglesby - Deputy Chief of Human Resources, MSCS

11. William “Billy” Orgel - CEO and President, Tower Ventures; Former School Board Chair

12. Trevia Chatman - President, Bank of America Memphis

Strategic Communications & Partnerships

Co-Chair: Julian Cross - Internal Communications Specialist, MSCS

Co-Chair: Danielle Inez - Director of Innovation & Performance Analysis, Shelby County Government

1. Reverend Keith Norman - Vice President of Government Affairs, Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation

2. Dr. Lori Phillips - Chief of Student, Family, and Community Affairs, MSCS

3. Kerri Campbell - Director of Community Relations, Rhodes College

4. Leigh Mansberg - CEO and President, Junior Achievement

5. David Jordan - CEO and President, Agape Child and Family Services

6. Brian McLaughlin - Chief Operations Officer, YMCA

7. JB Smiley, Jr. - Attorney, Smiley & Associates; Chairman, Memphis City Council

8. Meredith Pierce - Director of Internal Communications, MSCS

9. Shante K. Avant - CEO and President, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis; Former School Board Chair

10. Willie Gregory - Sr. Director of Community Relations–Mid-South, Nike 

Next-Level Readiness

Co-Chair: Philip Dotson - Partnership Director, College, Career, & Technical Education, MSCS

Co-Chair: Kesha Cohran-Ivy - Chief Academic Officer, Junior Achievement

1. Joseph Parker - MSCS Parent; Talent Acquisition–MLGW

2. Johnette Blanton - Professional School Counselor, White Station Middle

3. Bobby White - Memphis Chamber of Commerce

4. Dr. Christopher Davis - Interim President, LeMoyne-Owen College

5. Dr. Anntriniece Napper - President, Memphis-Shelby County Education Association

6. Miska Clay Bibbs - Chairwoman, Shelby County Board of Commissioners; Former Administrator and School Board Chair

7. Jennifer Shiberou - Fine Arts Advisor, MSCS

8. Dr. Vincent Hunter - Principal, Whitehaven High School

9. Aiesha St. Ann - Professional School Counselor, Dexter K-8

10. Jerry Johnson - Chief Financial Officer, Moore Tech

Inclusive Excellence

Co-Chair: Dr. Erin Luster - Sr. Manager Partnership Accountability, MSCS

Co-Chair: Eddie Koen - President, Institute for Educational Leadership

1. Monica Newport - Chief of Staff, Latino Memphis

2. Anthony Buckner - Chief Deputy, Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Hope Academy

3. Teresa Sloyan - President, Hyde Family Foundation

4. Stephanie Jamison - Professional School Counselor, Willow Oaks Elementary

5. Khalilah Horton-Spencer - MICAH, Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope

6. Dr. Patrick Washington - Founder/CEO, Man Up Teacher Fellowship

7. Sarah Carpenter - Executive Director, Memphis Lift

8. Gabriela Toro - Principal, Newcomer International Center

9. Brian Harris - Special Assistant to the Mayor, City of Memphis

10. Jasmine Worles - Chief of Staff, MSCS

The transition team will be supported by the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), a coalition dedicated to the improvement of education for children in the nation’s largest public school districts. 

As previously announced, CGCS is lending three of its sharpest and most experienced minds, Superintendent-in-Residence Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Executive Director Dr. Ray Hart and Strategic Advisor and former Executive Director Dr. Michael Casserly, to assist with this work and serve on the team.

“We look forward to spending quality time with Dr. Feagins and her transition team,” said Dr. Hinojosa, who previously served as superintendent of Dallas Independent School District and Cobb County (Ga.) School District. “She is dedicated to getting it right and is bringing the right people to the table to ensure positive outcomes. It is to be commended.”