Scott Thomas
Executive Director of Education Services | Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916, White
Bear Lake, MN
50-word statement
My tenure as Interim President-Elect, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, and Executive Director of MSA and principal of two magnet schools, I’m equipped me to lead as President to transform our organization to deliver tangible member value. I am your fiercest advocate, and lead our board, execute MSA’s bold strategic vision for innovation, diversity, and student achievement.
Theresa Porter
CEO, Porter Strategic Solutions, LLC
50-word statement
The current educational landscape demands leaders who champion the equitable distribution of public resources. As a retired educational leader and former MSA president with over 30 years of experience in magnet education, consulting, and service on national and regional boards, I am well-positioned to advance innovation, collaboration, and advocacy for MSA.
Monika M. Wiley, Ed.D
Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Improvement, Clayton County Public Schools
50-word statement
I offer experienced, forward-thinking leadership grounded in innovation, access, and strategic alignment. As President-Elect, I will strengthen governance, financial integrity, and member engagement, elevate district and school voices, expand high-quality technical assistance, and help position Magnet Schools of America as a national leader supporting sustainable, impactful magnet programs nationwide success.
Walter Hall
Director of Student Placement & Records | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
50-word statement
As a candidate for President Elect, I bring proven national magnet leadership, deep experience advancing equity and program excellence, and a track record of guiding large, diverse districts through complex change. I understand magnet systems from design to certification and will strengthen Magnet Schools of America through collaborative, results-driven leadership.
Jon Wren
Director of Magnets | Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) | Nashville, TN
50-word statement
I bring 19 years of magnet, district, and nonprofit leadership, securing $45M in Magnet funding, advancing equity-centered opportunities for students, and elevating magnet excellence nationwide. As a Magnet Expert and district director, I offer strategic vision, compliance expertise, and proven partnership-building to strengthen MSA’s mission through innovation, collaboration, and governance leadership.
Joseph J. Lipp III
Principal, STEM Magnet High School & Bridgeport Military Academy | Bridgeport Public Schools | Bridgeport, CT
50-word statement
I should be elected as Specialized Director because I bring proven leadership in magnet education, regional recognition as 2023 POY, and a strong record of innovation and equity. As a graduate of MSA’s Executive Magnet Leadership Academy along with my experience ensures strategic vision and collaboration to advance MSA’s mission.
Michelle Frazier, Ed.D.
Educational Consultant | NIMSL
50-word statement
There’s a song entitled “What Kind of World Do You Want”? Magnet schools represent our opportunity to “build a masterpiece “- a society based on peace, diversity, inclusiveness, and respect for the contributions of all its citizens. The children we serve today can create the world we want.
Pamela Henderson
Director of Magnet Schools | Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
50-word statement
With two decades of experience spanning the classroom and district leadership, I bridge the gap between vision and implementation. By utilizing improvement science to correct organizational misalignment, I will help guide MSA in strengthening magnet programs nationwide, ensuring they remain the primary drivers of student growth and enrollment stability.
Shane Schmeichel
Senior Director of Instructional Support, VAPA and MSAP | San Diego Unified School District | San Diego, CA
50-word statement
With decades of passionate school leadership, I bring proven expertise in equity-driven program design, strategic growth, and national advocacy. Having led magnet schools in Minnesota and California, I will advance Magnet Schools of America’s mission by strengthening access, excellence, sustainability, and community partnerships nationwide.
Teresa Turner, Ed.D.
Director of Magnet Schools Grant | Richland County School District One | Columbia, SC
50-word statement
I am deeply passionate about advancing the mission of Magnet Schools of America, drawing from my journey as a magnet student, teacher, principal, and director. My unwavering commitment to educational equity, combined with my proven track record in transformative program development, empowers me to passionately advocate for and expand the reach of magnet education nationwide.
William (Bill) Parker Jr., Ed.D.
Magnet Principal / Assistant Principal, Richardson High School | Richardson ISD (TX)
50-word statement
I offer twenty years of magnet, governance, and advocacy leadership advancing equity, innovation, and student choice. As a magnet principal, elected trustee, and TASB Master Trustee, I offer practitioner insight, policy fluency, and national perspective to help Magnet Schools of America strengthen programs, influence legislation, and expand access nationwide.
