Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has announced new principal placements and district leadership appointments for the 2025–26 school year. These leaders bring years of experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to student success.
Principal appointments
Dr. Angela Burns – Alex Green Elementary
Dr. Burns, formerly interim principal, now assumes the executive principal role. With more than a decade of experience, she has served as a teacher, literacy coach, and assistant principal at Amqui Magnet. She holds advanced degrees from MTSU and Tennessee State University.
Dr. Kate Finn – Andrew Jackson Elementary
Dr. Finn has 23 years of experience in education and previously worked in MNPS as a science teacher and STEM coach. She returned in 2021 as assistant principal at Head Magnet Middle. She holds a doctorate from Lipscomb University and has three children, two of whom attend MNPS schools.
Dr. Whitney Russell – Inglewood Environmental Science Magnet
Previously principal at Napier Elementary, Dr. Russell has led schools to high TVAAS scores and literacy gains. She brings over 15 years of MNPS experience, with degrees from Tennessee State and Trevecca Nazarene.
Angela Davis – Lakeview Elementary
Ms. Davis transitions from interim to executive principal after 22 years with MNPS. A former private school teacher, she has served as a classroom teacher and assistant principal. She holds degrees from Oakwood University and TSU.
Jawan Davis – Moses McKissack Middle
A Nashville native and MNPS graduate, Mr. Davis has 16 years of experience in education, including school turnaround work in Memphis. He holds degrees from the University of Memphis and Bethel University and is completing a doctorate at Trevecca.
Dr. LaDonna Williams – Westmeade Elementary
Dr. Williams, a former assistant principal and dean of instruction, served as interim principal in 2024–25. She has 12 years of experience and holds multiple degrees from UT-Knoxville and Trevecca Nazarene.
Keenan Robinson – Napier Elementary (Interim)
Mr. Robinson has 15 years of teaching and seven years in administration with MNPS. His diverse roles have included exceptional education teacher, dean of students, and instructional specialist. He holds degrees from TSU and Tennessee Tech.
Melissa Brooks – Whites Creek High (Interim)
Ms. Brooks has over 15 years with MNPS and served as assistant principal at Whites Creek, helping achieve TVAAS Level Five for three straight years. A former social sciences teacher, she was named 2014 MNPS Teacher of the Year. She holds degrees from UT-Knoxville and Lipscomb University.
District leadership appointments
Dr. Sharonda Beard – executive director
With over 25 years in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Dr. Beard has led initiatives focused on data-driven instruction and personalized learning. She holds advanced degrees from Union University and Trevecca, and is a Harvard Leadership and NPSA Fellow.
Dr. David Martin – executive director
Dr. Martin brings over 15 years of leadership experience, including roles as superintendent of the Louisiana Special School District and Tennessee School for the Blind. He began his career as a social studies teacher and holds a doctorate from Liberty University and degrees from Lincoln Memorial and TSU.
Dr. Brian Mells – executive director
Dr. Mells has served 19 years in MNPS, including roles at Hillwood, Pearl-Cohn, and Madison Middle. As principal at Whites Creek, he led the school out of priority status and earned three consecutive Level Five TVAAS scores. He has received several leadership awards for his work.
Dr. Shelley Mendez – executive director
Dr. Mendez has over 20 years of experience, including 10 years as a principal and five as a district director. Most recently in higher education, she developed principal pipeline programs. She holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and is certified in multiple national instructional programs.
Priscilla Cole – executive director of Professional Learning and Growth
Ms. Cole most recently served as support executive director for high schools. Her 24-year career includes roles as principal, assistant principal, and teacher. She holds degrees from Fisk University, Western Governors University, and Georgia College & State University.
