Washington, D.C. — September 24, 2025 — Chiefs for Change, a bipartisan network of state and district education leaders committed to advancing bold leadership, systems support, and policy and advocacy in public education, proudly announces the addition of six outstanding leaders to its national network.
The newest members are:
- Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools (Tenn.)
- Romules Durant, superintendent of Toledo Public Schools (Ohio)
- Dr. Melanie Kay‑Wyatt, superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools (Va)
- Pender Makin, commissioner of the Maine Department of Education (Maine)
- Charlene Russell‑Tucker, commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education (Conn.)
- Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools (Ala.)
“These exceptional leaders represent the best of what public education can offer—vision, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student,” said Bob Runcie, CEO of Chiefs for Change. “Their diverse perspectives and deep-rooted commitment to educational equity will strengthen our collective work to create more effective school systems across the nation.”
Individual Profiles:
- Dr. Adrienne Battle serves as superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools, where she has led innovative, equity-driven initiatives—including high-dosage tutoring, personalized student supports, and districtwide literacy reform—that have resulted in record academic growth and community-centered transformation.
- Romules Durant is superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, where his visionary, student-centered leadership has transformed the district through magnet school expansion, college and career pathways, and community-backed innovation—earning national recognition for equity-driven urban education reform.
- Dr. Melanie Kay‑Wyatt is superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools and the district’s first Black woman in the role. Her bold leadership has driven gains in attendance, workforce development, and high school transformation through innovative academy models and student-centered reform.
- Pender Makin is commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, where she draws on decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader to advance equity, experiential learning, and restorative practices—particularly in support of high-risk and underserved students.
- Charlene Russell‑Tucker serves as commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education, where she has led strategic investments in student wellness, instructional improvement, and equity-driven innovation—centering student voice and expanding opportunity for the state’s diverse and dynamic public school population. She brings over two decades of experience shaping student supports, wellness, and equity-focused initiatives.
- Dr. Mark Sullivan: A lifelong Birmingham native and veteran educator with more than 25 years in Birmingham City Schools—from classroom teacher to superintendent—demonstrating a deep commitment to equity, student achievement, and community-driven school improvement.
Chiefs for Change looks forward to partnering with these leaders as they bring bold, student-centered change to their communities and strengthen public education across the country.
To learn more about our members and their work, visit chiefsforchange.org.
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About Chiefs for Change
Chiefs for Change is a nonprofit, bipartisan network of diverse state and district education chiefs dedicated to preparing all students for today’s and tomorrow’s world through deeply committed leadership. Chiefs for Change advocates for policies and practices that make a difference for students and advance next-generation leadership among chiefs and their teams. For more information, visit chiefsforchange.org.
