1. Dr. Bryan Johnson
      Superintendent
      1. Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw
        Deputy Superintendent of Operational Efficiency
      2. Tommy Usher
        Chief of Schools
      3. Nina Gupta
        General Counsel
      4. Dr. Lisa Bracken
        Chief Financial Officer
      5. Dr. Shakeatha Butler
        Chief of Teaching and Learning
      6. Dr. Adam Danser
        Assistant Superintendent, Operations
      7. Dr. Aleigha Henderson-Rosser
        Assistant Superintendent, Information Technology
      8. Dr. Kathleen Howe
        Chief Performance Officer
      9. Nicole Lawson
        Chief Communications Officer
      10. Felecia Lester
        Interim Chief Human Resources Officer
      11. Erica Long
        Chief of Policy
      12. Travis Norvell
        Chief Strategy Officer

  • Dr. Bryan Johnson

    Superintendent

    Dr. Bryan Johnson

    Dr. Bryan Johnson, a former corporate executive and accomplished K-12 leader, serves as Superintendent for Atlanta Public Schools, bringing a unique blend of corporate and educational leadership to the role.

    For nearly two decades, Dr. Johnson has dedicated much of his career to public education, serving as a teacher, school administrator, and district administrator. At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), he provided critical counsel as the university completed its current strategic plan and led the development and execution of the 2025-2030 strategic plan. He brings extensive experience in educational leadership, workforce development, business strategy, change management, and collaborative leadership.

    Read his full bio

    Erica Long

    Chief of Policy

    Ms. Erica Long serves as the Chief of Policy for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), where she provides executive leadership over the district’s Employee Relations, Student Records and Assignment, Equity, and Board Governance functions. In this role, she is responsible for shaping and sustaining districtwide policies that promote equitable, student-centered practices while ensuring compliance, transparency, and accountability across APS operations.

    Since joining APS in 2015, Ms. Long has been a trusted advisor to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and senior leaders—leading the district’s Policy and Government Affairs work with distinction. She has guided the development and implementation of key district policies, managed legislative engagement, and served as the architect of Board meeting preparation and governance coordination. Her expertise has been instrumental in aligning governance strategy with the broader mission and values of APS.

    An Atlanta native and proud graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, Ms. Long earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science (summa cum laude) from Florida A&M University and her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. Her distinguished career includes practicing law at King & Spalding LLP, serving as Associate General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs for a Fortune 500 financial services firm, advising at the White House as a Legislative Assistant during the Clinton-Gore Administration, and working on Capitol Hill.

    Known for her integrity, strategic insight, and commitment to equity, Ms. Long is passionate about ensuring that every APS student and employee experiences a system grounded in fairness, responsiveness, and opportunity. She and her husband, Ralph, are the proud parents of a student at Benjamin E. Mays High School and remain deeply invested in the success of Atlanta Public Schools.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Tommy Usher

    Chief of Schools

    An intuitive, well-rounded leader with over 20 years of experience in educational leadership, Mr. Tommy Usher serves as Chief of Schools at Atlanta Public Schools (APS). Mr. Usher became an Associate Superintendent at APS on July 1, 2016 and served in that role until March 2024. Previously, he served as Principal of Garden Hills Elementary School, an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and Dual Language Immersion School. He joined Atlanta Public Schools in July 1998, serving in various roles as Classroom Teacher, Instructional Specialist, Comprehensive School Reform Specialist, Data Coach and Program Administrator. A proud native of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Usher graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. He went on to pursue graduate studies and leadership certification from Central Michigan University, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Design, and Georgia State University, Educational Leadership Certification. He has also participated in and completed the Harvard Turnaround Leader Institute, Harvard Data Wise Institute and KIPP’s Leadership Design Fellowship (KLDF) and most recently Relay/GSE Leverage Leadership Institute.

    While serving as an Associate Superintendent, Mr. Usher was laser focused on supporting and guiding the school improvement efforts of principals and their school teams. A few hallmark accomplishments of this work include expanding Dual Language Immersion Programs, schools achieving year-over-year achievement gains on state assessments and receiving several Gallup Engagement awards and recognitions. Mr. Usher is known as a warm demander, driven by his deep commitment of service to school leaders, and measurable improvements that impact the lives of students.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Travis Norvell

    Chief Strategy Officer

    Travis Norvell has served in strategy management and engagement roles with Atlanta Public Schools for more than ten years and is currently the Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer. The Office of Strategy & Engagement is a driving force, creating a culture of collaboration and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, while ensuring the values of the organization are in alignment with the established mission and vision.

    Prior to working for Atlanta Public Schools, Travis developed national strategies and policies at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and supported the Afghanistan and Colombia programs with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Travis received both his Bachelor of Science in Political Sciences and Music and a Master of Public Policy (Education Policy) at Vanderbilt University. Travis is an APS parent and lives in Lake Claire with his wife and three children.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Dr. Aleigha Henderson-Rosser

    Assistant Superintendent, Information Technology

    Dr. Aleigha Henderson-Rosser currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Information Technology for Atlanta Public Schools, where she leads transformative technology strategies that drive innovation, improve system efficiency, and elevate digital equity for over 45,000 students and 5,000 staff members. With over two decades of experience spanning classroom instruction, virtual school leadership, instructional technology, and executive-level IT service delivery, Dr. Henderson-Rosser brings a unique blend of academic insight and operational leadership to K–12 education.

    Recognized nationally for her visionary leadership, Dr. Henderson-Rosser has spearheaded major digital transformation initiatives—including the district-wide deployment of 1:1 devices, cloud-based collaboration platforms, and AI-enhanced instructional tools. She is known for cultivating high-performing teams, managing complex IT infrastructures, and leveraging data and stakeholder feedback to optimize user experience and student learning outcomes.

    Dr. Henderson-Rosser began her career as a middle school science teacher and quickly rose to leadership roles, including founding administrator of one of Georgia’s first virtual high schools. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University and is widely published, including her work on inquiry-based STEM instruction in 1:1 environments. She continues to serve as an adjunct professor, thought leader, and national presenter on educational technology and policy.

    A proud wife and mother, Dr. Henderson-Rosser is committed to designing inclusive, responsive systems that empower educators and inspire lifelong learning. Her current focus includes reimagining IT governance, leading cybersecurity strategy, and developing technology infrastructure that supports equitable, student-centered innovation across all Atlanta Public Schools.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Dr. Lisa Bracken

    Chief Financial Officer

    Dr. Lisa Bracken was named Chief Financial Officer of Atlanta Public Schools in September of 2017. As CFO, Lisa leads several key business functions including accounting, payroll, benefits & risk management, procurement & logistics, and budget. During her tenure, she led the district through the process of adopting a weighted student funding formula, positioning equity at the forefront of school allocations. She brings more than 16 years experience in public education budget and finance including her previous work in Fulton County School System.

    Lisa is an influential leader who serves on several financial committees and boards and was nominated for the Atlanta Business Chronicle CFO of The Year Award for 2018.

    As a subject matter expert, she has presented at numerous conferences across the country sharing her strategic initiatives to support growth and maximize benefit across several networks. Lisa has her bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. She’s currently in an Educational Leadership program at Georgia State University.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Nicole Lawson

    Chief Communications Officer

    Nicole Lawson serves as the Chief Communications Officer for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), where she leads the district’s strategic communications, media relations, branding, crisis communications, and engagement efforts. In this executive role, she is responsible for shaping the district’s voice, strengthening public trust, and ensuring clear, consistent, and compelling storytelling that reflects APS’ commitment to excellence for over 50,000 students and 8,000 employees.

    Appointed to the role in July 2025, Ms. Lawson brings more than two decades of experience in public education leadership, human resources strategy, and operational transformation. Prior to her transition into communications, she served as the district’s Chief Human Resources Officer, where she spearheaded innovations in recruitment, compensation, and HR service delivery; earning national recognition for her ability to modernize systems and improve the employee experience.

    A proud graduate of Atlanta Public Schools and a third-generation Atlantan, Ms. Lawson’s work is deeply personal. Her commitment to public education is grounded in her belief that every student deserves access to inspiring educators and every staff member deserves to feel valued, heard, and supported.

    Ms. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management. She is known for her transparent leadership style, collaborative spirit, and ability to mobilize cross-functional teams around shared goals. As Chief Communications Officer, Ms. Lawson is focused on building a unified brand identity, elevating employee and student voices, and leveraging storytelling to reinforce APS’ mission of educating the whole child and transforming communities. Ms. Lawson is a dedicated wife, mother, mentor, and advocate for unity, innovation, and opportunity in her hometown, Atlanta, GA.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Dr. Shakeatha Butler

    Chief of Teaching and Learning

    Dr. Shakeatha Butler serves as the Chief of Teaching and Learning for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), where she provides executive leadership over Exceptional Children and Psychology Services, Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology, and Post-Secondary Support. In this role, Dr. Butler is responsible for driving the district’s academic vision, ensuring rigorous, equitable, and student-centered learning experiences from pre-K through graduation.

    An innovative and collaborative leader, Dr. Butler brings a wealth of experience advancing student achievement, promoting equity, and leading systemic change across large urban school systems. Before joining APS, she served as Chief Academic Officer for Cincinnati Public Schools, where her leadership yielded remarkable gains in student outcomes, including a 9% increase in third-grade reading performance and the second-highest improvement in math scores among urban districts nationwide, according to the Harvard Education Recovery Scorecard (2024). She also led the launch of the College Innovation Pathway in partnership with the University of Cincinnati, enabling students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

    Prior to her work in Cincinnati, Dr. Butler held pivotal roles across Texas and Florida. As Executive Director of Instructional Redesign and New School Launch for Dallas Independent School District, she spearheaded the development of over 60 choice schools, expanding access to high-quality educational options for all families. In Duval County Public Schools, she elevated STEM achievement as Director of Elementary Science, and as an Instructional Specialist with the Florida Department of Education, she led school improvement efforts across major counties, helping turnaround underperforming schools with evidence-based practices.

    Dr. Butler began her career as a biology teacher, a foundation that continues to shape her student-centered leadership. Her academic background includes a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University, a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. Originally from Albany, Georgia, Dr. Butler is proud to return to her home state to lead the academic core of Atlanta Public Schools. She remains deeply committed to ensuring every student in APS has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw

    Deputy Superintendent of Operational Efficiency

    Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw is the new Deputy Superintendent of Operational Efficiency at Atlanta Public Schools. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Savannah State College, a master’s degree in education administration and Supervision from the University of West Georgia, and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University.

    Dr. Bradshaw was a dedicated member of the Georgia Army National Guard. He faithfully served as First Lieutenant in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and as a Field Artillery Battery Commander in the Georgia Army National Guard. Dr. Bradshaw concluded his fourteen-year military career as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.

    As a dynamic and collaborative leader, he believes everyone in the community should positively impact students' lives. This philosophy has successfully guided him through his over 30 years of educational experience. He started his professional educational journey with the DeKalb County School District. He served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and regional superintendent, where increases in academic achievement followed him in every position.

    As the Deputy Superintendent in Richmond County, he managed the development of a multi-million-dollar partnership with Textron Specialized Vehicles, also known as (TSV), to improve the high school drop-out rate. This program has graduated nearly 150 students since its inception in 2016 and continues to be a vital support for students and their families. Before returning to Richmond County, he served as the Chief Operations Officer in Chattanooga, TN, with the Hamilton County School System, where he significantly improved the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the district.

    As the Deputy Superintendent in APS, Dr. Bradshaw is committed to increasing academic achievement, operational efficiency, and equity while establishing community support to ensure a better future for all students. He is also very committed to Atlanta Public Schools’ employees and parents and strives to positively impact the community.

    Dr. Bradshaw enjoys spending time with his family. He is married to Mia, who's also an Educator, and he has two wonderful adult sons.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Nina Gupta

    General Counsel

    As General Counsel, Ms. Nina Gupta is responsible for all legal affairs and serves as the chief legal advisor to the Board and Atlanta Public Schools. In that role, Ms. Gupta provides the strategic direction for the school district’s Office of General Counsel, as well as providing legal and strategic advice to help all divisions within Atlanta Public Schools achieve their mission and goals while remaining in legal compliance.

    Ms. Gupta brings a wealth of diverse professional experience to this position as well as over 20 years of expertise which she uses in supporting the district’s mission and serving its students.

    Prior to being appointed Atlanta Public Schools’ General Counsel in 2019, Ms. Gupta held multiple leadership roles, including previously serving as Deputy General Counsel to Atlanta Public Schools. She is a partner at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein and has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer in the field of education law by The Legal 500 and has been repeatedly recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer.

    She earned a B.A., with Honors, in Psychology at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

    Felecia Lester

    Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

    Felecia Lester currently serves as the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), where she leads the district’s comprehensive Human Resources strategy, supporting more than 10,000 employees across 70 schools. In this role, she oversees all aspects of HR, including talent management, employee relations, organizational development, benefits, and staffing, with a strategic focus on cultivating a high-performing, equitable workforce to meet the needs of APS students and communities.

    With more than 27 years of experience in public education, Felecia brings deep expertise in both instructional leadership and human capital management. Her professional journey includes ten years as a classroom teacher, five years as a model teacher leader, four years as an assistant principal, and more than seven years as a human resources administrator. Prior to her appointment as Interim CHRO, she served as the Executive Director of Talent Management, where she led critical work in recruitment, staffing, substitute services, and leadership development.

    Ms. Lester’s passion for education is grounded in her love for children and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of great teachers and strong systems. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Middle Grades Education, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, and endorsements in Gifted Education, ESOL, and Teacher Support.

    Recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to service, Felecia is known for building strong teams, implementing data-informed practices, and advancing innovative strategies to attract and retain top talent in urban education. She remains steadfast in her mission to ensure every student has access to exceptional educators and every employee feels valued and supported in their work.

    A proud educator, leader, and mentor, Ms. Lester continues to serve with integrity and purpose, shaping the future of Atlanta Public Schools through people-centered leadership and an unshakable belief in the promise of public education.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Dr. Kathleen Howe

    Chief Performance Officer

    Dr. Kathleen Howe serves as the Chief Performance Officer for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), where she provides executive oversight of the district’s research and evaluation, testing and assessment, student information systems, innovation and access schools, and charter and partner school compliance. In this role, Dr. Howe ensures that data-driven decision-making, performance accountability, and strategic innovation are central to advancing student success across the district.

    Dr. Howe brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience across K-12 systems, higher education, and state-level policy. She has led large-scale divisions supporting over 100,000 students and managed multimillion-dollar budgets with a focus on equity, continuous improvement, and academic outcomes. Her leadership has driven double-digit gains in graduation rates, expanded access to industry-certified Career and Technical Education programs, and enhanced multilingual services for families across diverse communities.

    Prior to joining APS, Dr. Howe served as Deputy Superintendent for DeKalb County Schools, Director of the DeKalb Online Academy, and Interim Associate Superintendent for Kansas City Public Schools. She also served as a literacy center director and associate professor, and worked as a reading consultant with the Kansas State Department of Education, where she oversaw standards, assessment, and accreditation for more than 300 school districts.

    Dr. Howe holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in Reading Education and Special Education from the University of Kansas. She also earned an Ed.S. in Education Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, along with master’s degrees in both Reading Education and English. Nationally recognized for her expertise in literacy and school improvement, Dr. Howe has authored numerous professional publications, delivered over 100 education presentations, and developed impactful community literacy initiatives. As Chief Performance Officer, she remains committed to fostering a culture of transparency, innovation, and excellence to ensure that every APS student benefits from high-quality instruction.

    Areas of Responsibility

    Dr. Adam Danser

    Assistant Superintendent, Operations

    Dr. Adam Danser serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), where he leads the strategic oversight of key operational departments including Nutrition, Transportation, and Facilities. In this role, Dr. Danser ensures that the foundational systems supporting APS’s 50,000+ students and 8,000 employees operate efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the district’s commitment to excellence and equity.

    With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Danser brings a unique blend of instructional leadership and operational acumen to the role. His career spans from the classroom to the principalship, most recently serving as Principal of Maynard H. Jackson High School. Under his leadership, the school saw sustained growth in student achievement, a graduation rate averaging over 89%, and national recognition for academic excellence and innovation.

    Dr. Danser is known for his strategic thinking, collaborative leadership style, and ability to align people, processes, and resources to meet the needs of students and communities. As a former assistant principal and longtime school leader, he understands firsthand the importance of strong operational systems in supporting teaching and learning environments that are safe, welcoming, and effective. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Villanova University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a Doctorate in School Improvement from the University of West Georgia. Dr. Danser is certified in Tier II Educational Leadership and has served on numerous district advisory and planning committees.

    With a deep commitment to public service, Dr. Danser approaches operations through a lens of service leadership, ensuring that every bus ride, school meal, building environment, and security protocol contributes to the overall success and well-being of APS students and staff.

    Areas of Responsibility