Wanda Lash, Ph.D., is a dynamic educator with more than 20 years invested in public education. With experiences at the classroom, building and district level, she is committed to enabling a scholar-centered culture and providing leadership that fosters collaboration, innovation and success for all. Dr. Lash began her teaching and administrative career in the Canton City School District. She taught algebra and geometry to high school students before transitioning to building-level administration. Dr. Lash was a middle and high school assistant principal and a middle school principal before transitioning to district-level administration, where she has served for more than 10 years. Prior to joining Akron Public Schools as the director of student and family services, Dr. Lash was the director of student support services in Canton Schools. Wanda Lash earned her Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University, master’s degrees from both Marygrove College and The University of Akron, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. A Chicago native, Dr. Lash resides in Akron with her husband and their four children. She is also a proud member of the Stark County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and enjoys live music, reading and vacationing.

Marcie Ebright is a versatile lifelong learner and educator who began her career with Akron Public Schools in 1996. She has led instructional technology work, launched an online school and led state-wide professional learning conferences. Marcie serves the district as director of the College & Career Academies of Akron (CCAA). Through this work, a K-12 transformational vision of the student experiences, teaching and learning, and business engagement occurs. Marcie holds a Bachelor of Education from Kent State University, her masters in technology education from The University of Akron and an administrative degree from Cleveland State University. Her vision ensures that scholars stay at the core of her decision-making so that each may achieve his or her aspirations. Marcie lives in Akron where she enjoys her family, friends and the most amazing dog ever, Joe.

Melissa Frymyer serves as the Director of Special Education, where she oversees a comprehensive range of services aimed at supporting students with diverse learning needs. A dedicated advocate for students with disabilities, early childhood education and gifted education, she is committed to promoting equitable access to high-quality, inclusive educational experiences. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Kent State University, in addition to completing principalship coursework at The University of Akron. With more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership and special education, she has spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative special education and transition programs. Melissa is unwavering in her commitment to equipping students with disabilities with the necessary tools to excel both academically and socially.  

Director of School Improvement Keith Liechty-Clifford supports our district's Blueprint for Excellence by guiding the improvement process across all school levels, focusing on closing achievement gaps. He also oversees federal programs, managing grant funds (Title I, II, III, IV, Title 1D - JDC and Auxiliary) to ensure appropriate allocations that support academic growth, parental involvement, professional development and supplemental supplies.

Anglea Carter is an educational leader with a passion for teaching and developing leaders. She holds degrees from Tennessee State University (Psychology and Sociology) and the University of Akron (Special Education and Education Administration). Mrs. Carter's career began in Parma City Schools, teaching students with emotional and behaivoral disorders. She joined Akron Public Schools in 2001, progressing from teacher to assistant principal, and then principal. Notable achievements include her role as Turnaround Principal at Crouse Community Learning Center and introducing impactful partnerships. In 2021, she became Recruitment and Rentention Manager, briefly serving as interim Executive Director of Elementary Education. She later became Chief of Staff for two years before starting her new position, Executive Director of School Leadership- Elementary. Mrs. Carter has received numerous awards and presented at various conferences.

Larry Johnson Jr. is an educational leader who has spent his academic and professional career in Akron Public Schools.  With a broad range of experiences as a teacher, principal, founding instructional leader, and district-level administrator, Larry is able to effectively provide innovative leadership and develop unique solutions that benefit ALL students and staff.  He is currently the executive director of talent & organizational development where he facilitates and drives professional talent development, recruitment, leadership training and team effectiveness.  After graduating from Buchtel High School, Larry earned Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Defiance College and Master of Science in Education from the University of Akron.  He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education and holds both principal and superintendent licenses.

Michelle Marquess-Kearns is the executive director of school leadership and oversees the professional growth and evaluation of effective instructional practices for select schools. Her primary responsibility is to deliver a strategic approach to leadership development and support, ensuring that schools have outstanding leaders, educators and staff equipped to meet the unique needs of their scholars. By enhancing the scholar experience, refining teaching and learning, and fostering business engagement, she plays a crucial role in advancing the district’s Blueprint for Excellence. An alumnae of APS North High School, Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media-Communications and a Master of Arts in Education from The University of Akron’s College of Education. She holds professional licenses as both a secondary teacher and a principal.

John Dawson is our Akron Public Schools administrative professional for school leadership.  He graduated from Firestone High School and earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from The University of Akron. John’s primary responsibility is providing leadership skill development and support to building-level administrative teams as part of the district’s Blueprint for Excellence.

Dr. Chapman is a dedicated leader in education with strong commitment to fostering positive community connections for students, staff, and families in Akron Public Schools. With other 30 years of experience in the educational field, she has developed a reputation for designing dynamic and engaging learning experiences for youth and adults and pursuing innovative approaches to district programs.

She holds a doctorate in Interprofessional Leadership from Kent State University and has completed advanced studies in adult training and development, emotional intelligence, culturally responsive leadership, deliberative dialogues, mediation, intercultural development, liberatory design thinking, and trauma responsive education.

Chapman's career includes roles as Chief Diversity Officer, Director of Community Relations, Special Projects Coordinator and Social Services Specialist where she successfully implemented initiatives that addressed non-academic barriers to student achievement, promoted systemic solutions and addressed inequities.

As a proponent of collaborative leadership, Chapman believes in the power of shared goals among educators, parents, and the community. She actively engages stakeholders to ensure that every voice is heard and valued, creating a culture of respect and high expectations for customer service. Her strategic vision includes leveraging data-driven practices to enhance organizational, leadership, and drive continuous improvement.

In addition to professional pursuits, Chapman is an active member of non-profit, community boards advocating for resource access, community engagement and improved conditions in Akron neighborhoods. She is passionate about nurturing futures leaders and believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality education.

Chapman lives with in Akron and enjoys family and friends, further enriching connections to the community.

Wanda Lash, Ph.D., is a dynamic educator with more than 20 years invested in public education. With experiences at the classroom, building and district level, she is committed to enabling a scholar-centered culture and providing leadership that fosters collaboration, innovation and success for all. Dr. Lash began her teaching and administrative career in the Canton City School District. She taught algebra and geometry to high school students before transitioning to building-level administration. Dr. Lash was a middle and high school assistant principal and a middle school principal before transitioning to district-level administration, where she has served for more than 10 years. Prior to joining Akron Public Schools as the director of student and family services, Dr. Lash was the director of student support services in Canton Schools. Wanda Lash earned her Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University, master’s degrees from both Marygrove College and The University of Akron, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. A Chicago native, Dr. Lash resides in Akron with her husband and their four children. She is also a proud member of the Stark County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and enjoys live music, reading and vacationing.

Dr. Stacey Hodoh is Director of Strategic Communications & Media. She provides leadership in external and internal communications, two-way community engagement, crisis communications and public messaging. The communications team orchestrates the flow of information between the school district and the public. This strategic role involves shaping the narrative and maintaining the integrity of the organization's brand.

Joanne Isaac is the assistant director of marketing communications. A life-long educator with a passion for urban education, Joanne brings a unique perspective to the role. Committed to sharing positive stories about the district's achievements and successes, Ms. Isaac works closely with the district and building teams to develop content that highlights the inspiring work of students, teachers and staff. With a strong understanding of effective communication strategies, Ms. Isaac's role includes promoting the district's mission and cultivating strong community connections to the district. Ms. Isaac plays a lead role in strategic planning for the district, ensuring alignment with the district mission. She guides the development of a comprehensive plan, working closely with district departments to align their goals and objectives to ensure organizational cohesion.

Chase Canfield, JD, is a seasoned Human Resources and Organizational Development executive with over 20 years of experience leading people strategy, cultural transformation, and operational excellence across diverse industries. In his most recent role, he served as Chief People & Culture Officer at Pepper Pike Capital Partners. Throughout his career, Chase has held executive leadership roles in Human Resources and operations across a variety of different employment settings, including the Ohio Department of Commerce, The Ohio State University and ProMedica Health System. Chase began his professional career in public service as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he advised on legislative matters, drafted bills and testimony, and managed constituent and policy issues. This early foundation in law and governance continues to inform his strategic approach to human capital management and organizational leadership. Holding a Juris Doctor from The University of Toledo College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Miami University, Chase brings a unique combination of legal expertise, strategic insight, and operational leadership to his work. 

Debra Foulk a graduate of Akron Public Schools Firestone High School, followed by attending Kent State University where she earned both a Bachelor Degree of Science and Master’s Degree of Science with concentration in the field of dietetics/nutrition. She worked for a total of 13 years as the coordinator for dietary services at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron prior to joining Akron Public Schools. Originally appointed as a child nutrition specialist with the district in 1987, she became the child nutrition services coordinator, followed by working as the coordinator of support services. She is currently the executive director of business affairs for the district which allows interaction with students, families, staff and community members addressing a number of support services. Debra holds the State of Ohio Business Manager’s License for schools, is a State of Ohio Licensed Dietitian, is a credentialed School Nutrition Specialist and is Certified in Family and Consumer Science along with active ServSafe certification.

Alan Jones is the director of safety and security. A graduate of John R Buchtel High School and The University of Akron, Alan and his staff of safety team members, Akron police officers and Summit County sheriff's deputies are responsible for the safety of our scholars and APS employees as well as the security of our buildings. He is a hands-on style leader having just recently retired from the Akron Police Department after 33 years of service. He is committed to ensuring that the safety team keeps a safe working and learning environment for our scholars and employees.

Nathan Ruyan serves as the Director of Data & Accountability for Akron Public Schools, where he also leads the Technology Services department. With over 25 years of experience spanning the educational technology landscape, Nathan is dedicated to transforming raw data and infrastructure into tools that drive student achievement and operational efficiency. A proud alumnus of Ashland University, Nathan holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems and a Master's degree in Education Administration. This unique combination of technical expertise and administrative insight allows him to effectively bridge the gap between complex data analysis and practical classroom application, ensuring that technology solutions truly serve the needs of students and staff.