#United States #New York #Education #New Leaders #Lisa Herring

Transforming Education: Dr. Lisa Herring Takes on New Leaders' CEO Role

On September 15, 2025, New Leaders, a national nonprofit committed to advancing educational excellence, announced the appointment of Dr. Lisa Herring as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a robust background that spans over 25 years, Dr. Herring's career trajectory includes every level of education, from classroom teacher to district superintendent and president of a national innovation center.

Dr. Herring is perhaps best known for her transformative tenure as Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, where she implemented district-wide initiatives that not only accelerated learning recovery but also expanded career and college pathways for students. Under her leadership, Atlanta saw its highest graduation rates in its 150-year history and became the only large U.S. district to achieve significant gains in 4th grade reading scores on the 2022 NAEP assessment.

Recognized as a trusted voice within the K-12 education community, Dr. Herring served as a strategic advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education in 2023. In this capacity, she contributed her insights to help refine policies aimed at enhancing school environments, empowering educational leaders, and broadening access to opportunities for students nationwide. Most recently, she was the president of the PROPEL Center, an innovative hub for higher education funded by Apple and Southern Company. There, she spearheaded initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, technology advancements, and the arts, employing cutting-edge learning models.

The chair of the New Leaders Board of Directors, Ted Colbert, emphasized the significance of Dr. Herring's leadership, stating, "Her experience and vision can mobilize school communities towards achieving better outcomes for students. Today’s educational landscape demands innovative thinking and the willingness to break from conventional approaches."

Today's educational institutions are grappling with multiple challenges, including learning loss, teacher shortages, financial constraints, and high turnover rates among educational leaders. New Leaders is tackling these issues at their core, providing educators with job-embedded training, tailored coaching, and clear career pathways, ultimately enhancing instruction, cultivating resilient school cultures, and driving student achievement.

Dr. Herring believes it is a crucial time for public education, where immediate action is necessary to address these challenges with bold strategies and decisive leadership. She notes, "I have witnessed how innovation and leadership can reshape entire communities—from Atlanta to Birmingham and beyond. At New Leaders, I am excited to continue this mission and ensure that all children receive access to exceptional teaching and abundant opportunities for success."

Founded in 2001, New Leaders has transitioned from being a pioneer in principal preparation to a national organization focused on enhancing educator development at all stages. Their collaboration with schools, districts, and communities aims to redefine possibilities in educator support and student success. Dr. Herring’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture, coinciding with New Leaders' effort to expand its key programs, which include the Aspiring Teachers Accelerator and the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship, among others.

Dr. Herring’s vision for New Leaders is clear: to fortify educator pipelines and fortify education systems capable of addressing the current challenges while leveraging future opportunities. As New Leaders continues to evolve its initiatives, its commitment to supporting transformational educators remains steadfast, aiming for a brighter future for education in America.