Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), Tennessee's largest school district, has announced a new leadership lineup as they gear up for the 2025-26 school year. At the helm of these appointments is Gary Hannah Jr., who is set to take on the Chief of Staff role after his tenure with Canton Public Schools in Mississippi. Action News 5 reported MSCS's warm reception of Hannah, stating, "We welcome Mr. Hannah’s vision, experience, and deep commitment to equity and student success as he joins the MSCS leadership team."
Hannah, a seasoned veteran in the education sector with over 25 years under his belt, has made the move for personal reasons. According to FOX13 Memphis, he said, "to be closer to home and spend more time with my family." He reminisced about his time in Canton, expressing a mix of emotions and acknowledging the indelible impact of shared achievements and challenges.
Joining him in the leadership expansion are Dr. Shuanta Broadway as Chief of Student Support Services and Dr. Michael Lowe, along with Lischa Brooks, as regional superintendents. Action News 5 highlights Dr. Broadway's pivotal role in advancing student outcomes and adherence to Title IX in her previous position at Allentown School District, while Brooks brings a successful record from KIPP Memphis.
Other significant appointments include Crystal Oliver as Chief of Human Resources and the interim position of Chief of Safety and Security to be filled by Carolyn Washington Jackson. MSCS emphasized the experience each appointee brings, with one common thread – a strong track record of influencing positive student outcomes. In a shift from overseeing a smaller district, Hannah follows former MSCS Chief of Staff Patrice Williamson-Thomas, who assumed the post in 2019, as reported by Local Memphis. "My time here has come to a heartfelt conclusion," Hannah shared in his public statement, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Memphis.
