Superintendent, Columbia Public Schools
Job description: As the superintendent, I serve as the chief executive officer of the Columbia Public Schools, responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operation of the district’s schools. This role includes implementing the Board of Education’s vision, overseeing academic programs, managing budgets and personnel, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring the success and well-being of all students and staff.
Professional background: I am an experienced educational leader with a career spanning more than twenty-five years. I began as a special education teacher before becoming a school psychologist in California and later moving into district leadership roles. I currently serve as chief academic officer for Columbia Public Schools, guiding academic strategy and innovation. I previously held executive roles at Satchel Pulse and spent eighteen years in the Park Hill School District, where I led major initiatives in academics, data, and school redesign, including the creation of the LEAD Innovation Studio.
Years lived in Columbia: One
Hometown: I grew up in Redwood City, California, and I lived in Kansas City from 2002 until May 2024.
With changes at the federal and state levels, and now the prospect of charter schools in Boone County, what are you keeping your eyes on? There has been a lot of politicizing of education. Public education ensures all children, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality learning opportunities and is essential in developing an informed and productive citizenry.
Strong public schools are necessary to attract and retain a solid employment base, prepare our children to become future community leaders, and sustain the quality of life we all appreciate. In Missouri and across the country, you can find examples of what a lack of support for public schools can do to a community. Businesses leave, unemployment rises, real estate values fall, and community livability suffers. In Columbia and Boone County, our public schools are the heart of our communities. Strong public schools mean strong, thriving communities.
What message would you like to convey to the community about the future of CPS? CPS is a special district thanks to the strong sense of community, the collaboration between schools and families, and the opportunity to make a real impact on students and educators. It is a privilege to lead a district with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. My goal is to cultivate a culture of connection, collaboration, and transparency. I am committed to open communication and authentic engagement with all stakeholders — students, families, educators, and community partners. Together, we will continue to build a solid foundation of academic rigor and high expectations, ensuring every student graduates prepared for the opportunities ahead. I look forward to partnering with our families and our community as we shape the future of Columbia Public Schools. Let’s work hand in hand to create an environment where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.
Tell us something that people might not understand about your job: I don’t control the weather. In all seriousness, being superintendent does not mean unilateral decision-making. We have a dedicated elected Board of Education. We have skilled administrative leaders. We have high-quality teachers and staff. We have amazing students. And, we have an engaged community. Everyone plays a part in determining the future success of our students, schools, and school district.
One of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your field: How we do things is just as important as what we do. In education, we’re driven by mission and outcomes, but I’ve found that most organizational challenges aren’t about people, they’re about processes. When we take the time to build clear, collaborative, and consistent systems, we empower good people to do great work. Focusing on the process doesn’t just solve problems. It builds trust, strengthens culture, and leads to more sustainable success.
Greatest strength: The ability to see the big picture, collaborate with the community to create a shared vision, and then lead with focus and determination toward that vision. I bring people together, listen deeply, and help align our collective efforts around what matters most — student success. The ability to connect vision with action is what drives lasting, meaningful progress.
Your greatest leadership or professional challenge: Leading through times of mistrust or division, whether due to organizational change, community tension, or past leadership transitions. Rebuilding trust doesn’t happen overnight. It requires humility, transparency, and consistency over time. I’ve learned that listening is the first step. Then comes the challenging work of aligning actions with words and showing up for people, even when the conversations are tough. Navigating those moments has been challenging, but also some of the most meaningful work I’ve done.
What do you do for fun: I like to attend school extracurricular events, listen to music, play pickleball, and spend time with friends and family. I enjoy exploring the city and finding new restaurants as well.
Favorite place(s) in Columbia: Faurot Field is definitely one of my favorite places in Columbia. There’s nothing like the energy of a game day and the pride this community has in Mizzou. I also enjoy the MKT Trail for a good walk and a mental reset, and the downtown District for its great local food and welcoming vibe. I enjoy hanging out at The Kitchen, watching games, listening to live music, or playing pickleball. But more than anything, I love being in our schools. There’s something special about seeing students and teachers in action that always reminds me why we do this work.
Accomplishment you are most proud of: I’m most proud of the work I’ve done to help build strong, supportive teams that lead to long-term success. One of my proudest achievements was leading efforts that resulted in my previous district becoming a two-time recipient of the Missouri Quality Award and me receiving the governor’s Quality Leadership Award. That recognition was a testament to our team’s dedication to high performance and continuous improvement. I’m also incredibly proud of the leaders I mentored who have gone on to do amazing things as assistant superintendents and superintendents. Additionally, I’m proud of the systems I’ve created to offer a more comprehensive approach to preparing students for life after graduation. These systems focus on ensuring our students are not just academically ready, but also equipped with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in college, career, and life.
Most people don’t know that you: I enjoy cooking, especially for others. While I may not be an expert chef and tend to rely on recipes, I find great joy in preparing meals and sharing the experience of enjoying good food with those around me.
