Dr. Keith Wilson

Dr. Keith Wilson serves as Assistant Superintendent of Academics, with oversight of Learning and Literacy, Academic Supports, College and Career Readiness and District Regions 1 through 4.

Dr. Wilson joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a science teacher at Northwest Middle School and later taught at Holston Middle School. He began his career in administration in 2009, when he was appointed Assistant Principal at Bearden Middle School. He served as the district’s Teacher Advanced Program (TAP) director for five years before working as the director of professional learning. In 2017, he was appointed Director of Career and Technical Education.

Dr. Wilson received a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a concentration in Earth Science Education from East Tennessee State University; a master’s of Education degree and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, both from Carson-Newman University.

Shannon Jackson - Executive Director of College and Career

Ms. Jackson joined Knox County Schools in 1995 as an English and Russian intern at Farragut High School, taught English Language Learners at Hillsboro High School in Metro Nashville Public Schools in 1996 before returning to Knoxville in 1998 to serve as an English teacher at West High School. She was named supervisor of English Language Arts for grades 6-12 in 2012 and later Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.

Ms. Jackson received a bachelor’s degree in College Scholars and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Tennessee. Since earning her degrees, she has also earned an Urban Specialist Certificate and a certificate in Administration, also from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Theresa Nixon - Executive Director of Academic Supports

Ms. Nixon joined Knox County Schools in 1993 as a teacher at West High School, where she worked for 15 years serving in various leadership positions, including department chair and a member of the mentor core team. In 2008, she became a districtwide science instructional coach, and subsequently, a science specialist and supervisor. She was named Director of Educational Technology and Library Services for KCS in 2013, and she currently serves as the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning Supports.

Ms. Nixon holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of the South - Sewanee, and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Erin Phillips - Executive Director of Learning and Literacy

Dr. Phillips worked for seven years as an academic coach and teacher at Hobgood Elementary School in Murfreesboro, before joining the Tennessee Department of Education in 2016 as a reading coach consultant for the South Central region.

She began her career in school administration in 2018 when she was named assistant principal of Cason Lane Academy in Murfreesboro. In 2019, she became principal of East Coffee Elementary School in Manchester. Before joining KCS, she served as the director of curriculum and instruction for Bedford County Schools.

Dr. Phillips received a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies K-6, a master's Reading Specialist degree, and an educational specialist degree in Administration and Supervision, all from Middle Tennessee State University, as well as a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.

Danny Trent - Director of Region One

Mr. Trent joined Knox County Schools in 1993 as a teacher at Halls Middle School. He began his career in administration in 1998 as assistant principal at Carter Middle School. He has served as executive principal at Carter Middle School, Karns Middle School, Central High School and Farragut Middle School. In 2015, he was appointed supervisor of secondary education and later named Executive Director of Secondary Education.

Mr. Trent received a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education 1-8 from the University of Tennessee, as well as a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision and an Educational Specialist degree, both from Lincoln Memorial University.

Nathan Langlois - Director of Region Two

Mr. Langlois joined the district in 2011 as assistant principal at Powell High School. He previously taught in Cobb County, Georgia and served as an administrative assistant and assistant principal in Georgia. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2013 and placed at Hardin Valley Academy as an assistant principal. He has served as principal of Powell High School and in 2015 was named principal of Austin-East High School. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Advancement and Diversity.

Mr. Langlois received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State University, and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Tennessee.

Megan O'Dell - Director of Region Three

Ms. O’Dell joined Knox County Schools in 2004 as a teacher at East Knox County Elementary School. She has also served as a teacher at Sunnyview Primary School, a TAP Master Teacher at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School and a Curriculum Coach at South Knoxville Elementary School. She began her career in administration in 2012 when she was appointed assistant principal at Brickey-McCloud. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2013 and placed at Northshore Elementary School as an assistant principal. In 2014, she was named the principal of Shannondale Elementary School and later appointed principal of Brickey-McCloud Elementary School.

Ms. O’Dell received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Carson-Newman University, a master’s degree in Education from Tusculum College and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

Cindy White - Director of Region Four

Ms. White joined Knox County Schools in 1980 and has taught at Inskip and Belle Morris elementary schools. She also spent 20 years in the classroom at Whittle Springs Middle School. She began her career in administration in 2007 as assistant principal at Karns High School and was later appointed principal at Karns Middle School. In 2013, she was named principal of Vine Middle School, and in 2017, she was appointed the founding principal of Gibbs Middle School. In 2021, she was appointed as an assistant principal at Austin-East Magnet High School.

Ms. White received a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Jennifer Hemmelgarn - Assistant Superintendent of Business and Talent

Ms. Hemmelgarn joined Knox County Schools in 2016 as supervisor of employee relations. She previously worked eight years as an associate attorney for Leibowitz Law Firm. In 2019, she became director of employee relations.

Ms. Hemmelgarn received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Law from Western Carolina University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Scott Bolton - Executive Director of Human Resources Operations

Mr. Bolton joined Knox County Schools in 2014 as a secondary education staffing manager. He previously worked as a teacher, administrator and Human Resources Liaison for the Hamblen County Department of Education. He was named KCS director of benefits and employee relations in 2014 and executive director of human resources in 2019.

Mr. Bolton received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Carson-Newman University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

Ron McPherson - Chief Financial Officer

Mr. McPherson worked for Knox County government for nine years as an accountant and senior accountant before joining Knox County Schools in 2001 as supervisor of accounting systems and financial control. He became executive director of finance in 2005. In 2015, he was named chief financial officer for Emerald Youth Foundation. He returned to Knox County Schools in 2019 as chief financial officer and assistant superintendent of finance and human resources.

Mr. McPherson received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and was a participant in the Haslam College of Business Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness Program.

Alex Moseman - Executive Director of Human Resources Talent Acquisition

Mr. Moseman worked for two years as reading teacher at John Marshall Community High School in Indianapolis, before joining Wabash College in 2013 as assistant director of admissions. In 2015, he became manager of fellowship recruitment for the non-profit Building Excellent Schools, where he managed campus recruitment for Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts candidates at Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, Rice University and the University of Chicago. He returned to Indianapolis Public Schools in 2017 as the director of talent acquisition, a position that he currently holds.

Mr. Moseman received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Wabash College and a master’s degree in Teaching from Marian University, both in Indiana.

Dr. Andrew Brown

Dr. Andrew Brown will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Student Success, and will oversee functions including English Language Learning, Health Services, School Culture, Special Education and Region 5.

Dr. Brown joined Knox County Schools in 1999 as a teacher at Central High School. He went on to work for 12 years as a teacher and principal in Bristol, Tenn. In 2016, he returned to Knox County Schools as principal of South-Doyle Middle School. In 2019 he was appointed principal of Central High School and in 2023 he was named Senior Executive to the Superintendent.

Dr. Brown holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from Carson-Newman University, a master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University.

Janice Cook - Director of School Culture

Ms. Cook joined Knox County Schools in 1997 as a districtwide special education consultant. She previously taught in both primary and secondary schools in Scotland before moving to East Tennessee, where she held various positions at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Peninsula Hospital. She began her career in school administration in 2008 when she was appointed principal of Knoxville Adaptive Education Center. In 2016, she was named principal of Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy, and in 2019 was named director of school culture.

Ms. Cook received a bachelor’s degree in Music from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and a G.S. Ed. from Moray House College of Education, both in Scotland, as well as a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Alicia Jones - Director of Student Supports

Ms. Jones began teaching in 2010 as a Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support teacher. She previously worked as a juvenile probation/parole specialist. In 2015, she began working as a public safety teacher at Hiram High School in Georgia, and in 2016, she was named the Special Education Coordinator and District Administrator for Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support.

Ms. Jones received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, both from Troy University, as well as an education specialist degree in Leadership from Kennesaw State University.

Dr. Karen Loy - Director of Special Education

Dr. Loy joined Knox County Schools as a school psychologist in 1997. She previously worked as the director of education for Bare Facts Academy. In 1998, she became a program consultant for Richard Yoakely School, and in 2000, she was named principal of Ridgedale School and the Karns Annex Alternative Programs. During this time, she oversaw the Middle School Evening Alternative Program. In 2007, she became principal of Northwest Middle School, and in 2017, she was appointed special education supervisor.

Dr. Loy received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Tennessee Tech University, as well as an education specialist degree in Psychology and a doctorate degree in Education Leadership, both from the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Dexter Murphy  - Director of Region Five

Dr. Murphy joined Knox County Schools in 2009 as a teacher at Pond Gap Elementary School. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2013 and appointed as an assistant principal at Vine Middle School. He has served as an assistant principal at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy, principal of Green Magnet Academy, principal of Maynard Elementary and the Upper School Academic Dean at Emerald Academy. He worked as a senior specialist at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) before rejoining Knox County Schools as director of ESSER programs.

Dr. Murphy received a bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Tennessee, a master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky.

Dr. Garfield Adams

Dr. Garfield Adams will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and will oversee functions including Security, Transportation, and Maintenance.

Dr. Adams joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a teacher at Central High School and subsequently taught in Oak Ridge Schools. He began his career in administration in 2011 as an assistant principal at South-Doyle High School and later worked as an assistant principal and executive principal at Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge. In 2018, he was appointed Exceptional Education Director for Hamilton County Schools, and in 2020 was named executive principal for Oak Ridge High School.

Dr. Adams received a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a master’s degree in Special Education, both from the University of Tennessee, as well as an Education Specialist degree in Administrative Supervision and a doctorate in Education, both from Lincoln Memorial University.

Freddie Cox - Chief Technology Officer

Mr. Cox joined Knox County Schools in 2008 as a school technology specialist. He became a systems administrator in 2011 and was later named IT infrastructure manager. In 2020, he was appointed chief technology officer.

Mr. Cox received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and is credentialed as a Certified Education Technology Leader.

Ryan Dillingham - Director of Transportation

Mr. Dillingham joined Knox County Schools in 2005 working various roles in the transportation department. In 2009, he became a special education router, and in 2017, he was named operations manager. In 2018, he was appointed director of transportation.

Mr. Dillingham received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tennessee. 

Brett Foster - Executive Director of Child Nutrition

Ms. Foster joined Knox County Schools in 2012 as a school area supervisor and process management specialist in the school nutrition department. She previously served as administrative assistant to the food / health services and transportation departments for Loudon County Schools. In 2017, she was named KCS executive director of school nutrition.

Ms. Foster received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, a master of business administration degree from Tusculum University and is credentialed as a school nutrition specialist by the School Nutrition Association. 

Brian Hartsell - Director of Student Enrollment

Mr. Hartsell joined Knox County Schools in 1991 as a teacher at Farragut Intermediate School. He has also taught at A.L. Lotts Elementary School and Karns High School. He began his career in administration in 2001 when he was appointed assistant principal at Carter High School and later principal of Austin-East High School. In 2008, he was named the district’s disciplinary hearing authority and supervisor of student enrollment. He was later appointed director of student enrollment.

Mr. Hartsell received an associate’s degree in Recreation / Physical Education from Cleveland State Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Health and Physical Education from Carson Newman College and a master's degree in Administration and Supervision, from Lincoln Memorial University.

Jason Periard - Chief of Security

Mr. Periard served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 20 years, culminating in rank as master sergeant. He has worked as a special agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and as an investigations officer for the USMC Criminal Investigation Division. He also served as vice president of the community security initiative at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. In 2021, he was named chief of school security for Knox County Schools.

Mr. Periard received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, a master of business administration degree from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University.

Doug Shover - Director of Facilities and Construction

After working as an architect in Ohio for nearly seven years, Mr. Shover returned to Knoxville and joined The Lewis Group Architects. He worked for the Lewis Group for more than 20 years, serving as the vice president of primary and secondary education as well as a project manager. In 2021, he was named director of facilities management for Knox County Schools.

Mr. Shover holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Ohio State University.

Chris Towe - Director of Maintenance and Operations

Mr. Towe worked at Towe Iron Works for 23 years, serving as project manager and plant manager, before joining Knox County Schools in 2006 as a plumbing foreman. He worked as supervisor of skilled crafts, before being named in 2017 as director of maintenance and operations.

Mr. Towe received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Tennessee.

Kori Lautner

Kori Lautner will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Strategy, and will oversee Communications, Research, Evaluation and Assessment (REA), Enrollment and the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ms. Lautner worked as a site director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley for three years before joining Great Schools Partnership as the Community School Coordinator for Lonsdale Elementary School in 2015. In 2020, she became the Community Engagement Manager for Knox Education Foundation, where she developed and managed strategic partnerships between County Schools and the greater Knox County community. She joined Knox County Schools in 2021 and currently serves as Senior Executive to the Superintendent.

Ms. Lautner received a bachelor's degree in English Literature and a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Carly Harrington - Chief of Communications

Ms. Harrington worked for 18 years in print media, including at The Tennessean and Knoxville News Sentinel, and as director of branded content for Fletcher PR before joining Knox County Schools as director of public affairs. In 2021, she was appointed chief public affairs officer.

Ms. Harrington received a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Tennessee.

Steve Rudder - Director of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment

Mr. Rudder joined Knox County Schools as a math teacher in 2001. In 2008, Mr. Rudder moved to the district’s technology department as a computer specialist, and in 2015, he became a senior accountability analyst for Research, Evaluation and Assessment (REA). He was named director of REA in 2018.

Mr. Rudder received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in education, both from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.