Nashville Area Chamber Continues Partnership with NPEF to Announce 2025 Leadership Public Education Cohort 

NASHVILLE, TENN. – The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF), announced Tuesday the members of the 2025 Leadership Public Education cohort. This diverse group of individuals represents the sixth class of the annual six-month leadership development program, aimed at strengthening public education in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). 

The partnership between the Nashville Chamber and NPEF reflects a shared commitment to building a strong foundation for public education in Nashville. By bringing together leaders from different sectors, this program seeks to create advocates and champions who will contribute to a public school system that prepares students not only for academic success but also for thriving careers and meaningful lives. 

The 2025 cohort includes leaders from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective and a shared commitment to making a positive impact in public education. Over the next six months, the cohort will explore the key issues and opportunities facing MNPS through sessions led by education experts and community leaders. Topics include the History of MNPS, Law and Policy, the Budget Process, Teacher and Principal Talent, and School Options. 

Graduates of the program will go on to serve in roles that support and enhance MNPS, from participating in parent-teacher organizations to serving on nonprofit boards, advisory councils, school boards, and other community initiatives. The program, jointly managed by the Nashville Area Chamber and NPEF, operates independently of MNPS. 

“This program is a powerful reminder of what can happen when leaders across our community come together to support public education,” said Stephanie Coleman, Chief Talent Development Officer at the Nashville Chamber. “We’re proud to continue building a pipeline of leaders who are ready to step up and make a difference.” 

“We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort,” said Katie Cour, CEO of NPEF. “Each fellow brings a deep sense of purpose and a fresh perspective to the work of improving outcomes for all students in Nashville.” 

The 2025 Leadership Public Education Cohort includes:  

  • Joel Abramson, Chief Development Officer, Adventure Science Center 
  • Shun Ahmed, Executive Director (with ADROIT) and Field Coordinator (with Tech Goes Home Tennessee), ADROIT / Tech Goes Home Tennessee 
  • Adam Anthony, Educational Consultant, Self-employed 
  • Alfred Brady, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, UpRise Nashville 
  • Elizabeth Garza Bumpas, Community Impact Officer, Vanderbilt University 
  • Stephanie Cummings, Founding Principal, LEAD Public Schools 
  • Dennis Daniels, Architect / Adjunct Professor, WBA Architecture / Belmont University 
  • TK Fayne, School Board Member, District 5, Metro Nashville Public Schools 
  • Brittenee George, Board & Executive Manager, PENCIL Foundation 
  • Bridget Golden, Director, Belmont Fast Forward, Belmont University 
  • Brandi Jack, Chief Operating Officer, Nashville Diaper Connection 
  • Sheila Hubbard, Pre-K Teacher, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Ida B. Wells Elementary School 
  • Guadalupe Meyers, Director of Community Organizing, Rocketship Public Schools 
  • Kelly Pietkiewicz, Scholarship Coordinator, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee 
  • Sebastian Roman, Senior Director, Business and Revenue Operations, MAYA Consulting 
  • Catherine Royka, Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy Sr. Manager, Dollar General Corporation 
  • Alex Sadler, Program Manager, Workforce Initiatives, Tennessee Valley Authority 
  • Katura Thompson, Dean of Instruction for Multilingual Learners, MNPS-Cane Ridge High School 
  • Kaylah White (Brown), Executive Director, The Middle Tennessee Branch of the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee 
  • Johannah Williams, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development, Nashville State Community College 

For more information on Leadership Public Education, visit https://www.nashvillechamber.com/economic-development/talent-development/leadership-public-education/overview.