FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Public Education Foundation Announce 7th Annual Leadership Public Education Cohort

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 20, 2026) – The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF), announced today the members of the 2026 Leadership Public Education cohort. These individuals make up the seventh class of the annual six-month leadership development program, aimed at strengthening public education in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). 

The partnership brings together business, nonprofit, and civic leaders to build understanding of the public education system and develop informed advocates for Nashville’s schools, reflecting a shared commitment by both organizations to ensure that every student in Nashville is prepared for academic success, career pathways, and long-term prosperity.

“Leadership Public Education brings together leaders who are committed to learning, listening, and engaging more deeply in our public education system,” said Daryl Curry, Chief Talent Development Officer of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Through this experience, participants gain a deeper understanding of the role education plays in strengthening our community and preparing students to thrive in the region.”

The 2026 cohort includes leaders from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective and a shared dedication 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 MNPS History, Education Policy, Funding, Workforce Pathways, Talent Management, Accountability, and School Options.

“Each cohort brings a fresh perspective to the Leadership Public Education program,” said Diarese George, Ed.D, CEO of NPEF. “Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to service will help strengthen the community effort working to improve outcomes for all MNPS students.”

Graduates 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 civic initiatives. The program is jointly managed by the Nashville Area Chamber and NPEF and operates independently of MNPS. 

The 2026 Leadership Public Education Cohort includes:  

  • Kashonda Babb-Hilliard, Partnerships, Impact, & Engagement Specialist, MNPS

  • Katherine Y. Baines-Brown, Founder / CEO, Learn CPR America, LLC

  • Jennifer Bonds, Self-Employed, Functionally Rooted

  • Amma Brown, Numeracy Coach, Thomas A. Edison Elementary School MNPS

  • Andrea Byrd, Director of Governance & Strategy, Rocketship Public Schools

  • Kanika Covert, Community Advocate, Self-Employed

  • Erin Evans, Metro Nashville Councilmember, District 12, Metro Nashville Government

  • Richard Fletcher, Supervisor of the Metro Student Attendance Center, Davidson County Juvenile Court

  • Nic Frank, Chief Human Resources Officer, LEAD Public Schools

  • Halim Genus, CEO, Nashville Police & Public Safety Alliance

  • Demetria Giles, Director of Curriculum, Nashville Teacher Residency

  • Leah Hayes, Director of People & Strategic Advancement, Blankenship CPA Group, PLLC

  • Jacqueline Herrera Otero, Director of College Connection, Oasis Center, Inc.

  • Olivia Leow, Vice President / Director of Community Engagement, AllianceBernstein

  • Jonathan Martinez, Project Manager, R.C. Mathews Contractor

  • Mark Millsap, Executive Director, Tennessee Press Association

  • Rachael Morrow, Head of Curriculum & Trainer Development, Tech Goes Home

  • Joe Neill, Director of Events & Marketing, PENCIL

  • Helen Sanders, Director of Education, The Parthenon

  • Kim Silverman, Associate Vice President of Extended Campuses & High School Initiatives, Nashville State Community College

  • Caroline Taylor, Executive Assistance to SVP of Economic Development, Tennessee Valley Authority

  • Katie Telford, Physician Practice Manager, Ascension Saint Thomas

Headshots are available at this link. For more information on Leadership Public Education, visit www.nashvillechamber.com

Media Contact:
Jordan LaBelle
Manager of Communications
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Cell: 615-743-3018
jlabelle@nahvillechamber.com

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About the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing over 1,800 member companies. Belong, engage, lead, prosper embodies the Chamber’s focus on creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. Established in 1990 as an economic development and community enhancement initiative of the Chamber, Partnership 2030 is a regional cooperative dedicated to making Middle Tennessee among the nation’s best places to live, work, and do business. Partnership 2030 is supported by a diverse group of public and private companies as well as governmental agencies from the organization’s 10-county service area. The work of the Chamber is supported by its members, Partnership 2030 investors, and sponsors; the Chamber’s Pivotal Partners (a partnership at the highest level for all Chamber programs and events) are Gresham Smith and Regions Bank. For more information, visit www.nashvillechamber.com.