Connect with the NAESP Board of Directors
Learn more about your fellow principals and representatives on the NAESP Board of Directors.
NAESP board members bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a deep commitment to advancing the field of education leadership—and they understand the challenges you face daily. We invite you to meet the faces behind NAESP’s leadership and take this opportunity to connect with each and every one of these leaders as you grow your network through your NAESP membership.
Kevin Armstrong, Ed.D., President
Principal, DuPont Hadley Middle, Old Hickory, Tennessee
Being active in NAESP has transformed my career through opportunities to grow, learn, and truly stretch myself beyond my school district and state. Connecting with principals from across the country has exposed me to kindred spirits in the field of leadership. I never feel alone in the work, and I’ve gained confidence to take risks and soar in my role.
April Knight, President-elect
Principal, Avondale Elementary, Columbus, Ohio
Twenty-one years ago, when I started this administrative journey, I had no idea how important NAESP would be to my professional and personal life. NAESP has provided me with never-ending opportunities to build new and maintain old relationships with colleagues from across the country.
Ann-Marie Gleason, Ed.D., Vice President
Principal, Harpeth Valley Elementary, Nashville, Tennessee
NAESP has given me the opportunity to collaborate with and learn alongside school leaders from across the county. Being a school leader can be isolating, but through NAESP I found a community of inspiring leaders who have helped me become a better leader and person.
Michael Litke, Ed.D., Zone 1 Director
Principal, Naubuc Elementary, Glastonbury, Connecticut
I am a second-generation school principal who believes strongly in public education. With 25 years of administrative experience, I am eager to give back and champion educational leaders. I deeply appreciate the work of NAESP, and it is a privilege to be part of this community.
Jessica Quinter, Ed.D., Zone 2 Director
Principal, Park Forest Elementary, State College, Pennsylvania
The benefits of membership are many, including professional development, conferences, advocacy, and legal protection. But one of the most meaningful to me is the relationships I have built with principals across the country. I find inspiration, energy, and comfort in knowing there are so many amazing leaders taking care of our students and educators.
Ed Cosentino, Zone 3 Director
Principal, Phelps Luck Elementary, Columbia, Maryland
As a longtime principal and member of NAESP, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of professional connection and advocacy that this organization offers. I joined the board to give back to the community that has supported my leadership journey and to help ensure that every school leader feels seen, heard, and equipped to thrive.
Ashley Aldridge Wilson, Ed.D., Zone 4 Director
Principal, Nolan Elementary, Signal Mountain, Tennessee
The principalship can feel isolating, but NAESP provides a supportive community of fellow leaders who share these experiences. I’ve engaged with principals from across the country who have inspired and challenged my practice. As a result, I’m a better principal.
Amy Niemeier, Zone 5 Director
Principal, Slate Run Elementary, New Albany, Indiana
Growing up in poverty, school became my safe place, and a pivotal conversation with my principal made me realize education could lead to a better future. Today, I make a daily commitment to be a principal who supports, challenges, and inspires others—paying it forward by creating life-changing moments and opportunities for the next generation.
Jon Wennstrom, Zone 6 Director
Principal, Riley Upper Elementary, Livonia, Michigan
Serving on the NAESP board has been the highlight of my educational career. It has provided me an opportunity to advocate for educators, connect with dynamic leaders, and gain practical tools that I can bring back to my own school.
Kenny Newby, Zone 7 Director
Principal, Justice Alan Page Elementary, Maplewood, Minnesota
The connections I have made with principals from across our country and the learning that takes place during our National School Leaders Advocacy Conferences, NAESP National Distinguished Principal recognitions, and NAESP annual summer conferences are experiences that continue to make me a better principal.
John Befort, Zone 8 Director
Principal, Washington Grade School, Ellis, Kansas
I first went to a NAESP national conference in Long Beach, California, in 2015, and I have attended every one since. The connections I have made with principals from across the country would not have been possible if I had not joined NAESP.
Chris Jackson, Zone 9 Director
Principal, Hollinger K-8 School, Tucson, Arizona
NAESP has connected me with principal colleagues from across the U.S. that are high achievers owning similar values to my own. It is clear that we all have much more in common across our country’s schools than differences. As we work together, we are demonstrating why American education is one of the greatest things about our country.
Carmen Maring, Ed.D., Director At Large, Middle
Principal, Gull Lake Middle, Richland, Michigan
I applied for the NAESP board because I wanted to be a voice advocating for the importance of the middle years in our association and at the national level. We only get as good as the leaders that we surround ourselves with, and through my experience connecting with other NAESP leaders, I have become a better person and principal.
Ryan Daniel, Ed.D., Director At Large, Minority
Principal, Fort Foote Elementary, Fort Washington, Maryland
Leadership is not just about influence; it’s about inclusion, advocacy, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Serving as director at large, minority, allows me the opportunity to uplift the voices of principals of color and ensure equity is embedded in all we do. NAESP is more than a network; it’s a movement! I invite you to be a part of it!
