Meet Your NAESP Board of Directors

April Knight, President
Principal, Avondale Elementary, Columbus, Ohio
Twenty-two 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 grow, learn, and stretch myself not only as a leader but also as a person. The connections I’ve made with leaders across the country are astonishing. Getting to collaborate with and learn from servant leaders I’ve met is the positive, uplifting energy I value. NAESP has transformed me as a leader, and I am so grateful to be a member of this incredible association.

Ann-Marie Gleason, Ed.D., President-elect
Principal, Harpeth Valley Elementary, Nashville, Tennessee
NAESP has given me the opportunity to collaborate with and learn alongside school leaders from across the country. 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.

Carmen Maring, Ed.D., Vice President
Principal, Gull Lake Middle, Richland, Michigan
I joined the NAESP board because I wanted to strengthen the elementary to middle level collaboration 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.

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.

Andrew Buchheit, Ed.D., Zone 3 Director
Principal, T. Clay Wood Elementary, Nokesville, Virginia
I have been a principal for 25 years, and I have been a member for most of that time. I was inspired to become a member of NAESP because I believe principals need a strong voice advocating for our schools, students, teachers, and our profession. I am committed to supporting and sharing this mission with other administrators and schools.

Morgan Abraham, Ed.D., Zone 4 Director
Principal, Sudduth Elementary, Starkville, Mississippi
Through NAESP, I’ve built meaningful connections with educational leaders from across the country. The association’s publications address timely and relevant issues in education, offering practical insights that directly support our work in the field. Being part of this organization keeps me informed, inspired, and deeply connected to a network of passionate professionals.

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.

Tammy Richter, Zone 6 Director
Principal, Clovis Grove Elementary, Menasha, Wisconsin
I joined NAESP 20 years ago to learn from experienced leaders and grow as a principal. The connections I’ve made have been invaluable, offering support and friendship that energize me to lead with heart. Serving on the NAESP board allows me to give back to the organization that has fueled my passion for public education.

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.

Annette Sanchez, Zone 8 Director
Principal, Hampton-Moreno-Dugat Early Childhood Center, Beeville, Texas
As a principal, the role can often feel isolating, and I’ve found a profound sense of connection and purpose through NAESP. Being part of this community has not only allowed me to grow and be coached, but it has also empowered me to coach and support others. The camaraderie and mentorship within this association have been essential to my growth, and I’m excited to contribute to others’ journeys in the same way.

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.

Xavier Reed, Director At Large, Middle
Principal, Maple Grove Middle, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Being a middle-level leader is unique and ever-changing. In my education career, I’ve had the opportunity to spend all but one of my years as a middle-level educator. NAESP has been supportive in my growth as a leader by being able to share space with other elementary and middle-level leaders from across the country. I encourage you to join us in your leadership journey.

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!