Alexandria, VA—August 1, 2024—Kevin Armstrong, Ed.D., principal of DuPont Hadley Middle School in Old Hickory, Tennessee, takes the helm as president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Board of Directors.

A Tennessee native, Armstrong was reared academically in Metropolitan Nashville Public School (MNPS) system. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1995 with a degree in Education, he began his career as a middle school teacher in the MNPS school system. He earned a master’s degree in administration and supervision in 2000 and a doctoral degree in Leadership and Professional Practice in 2013, both from Trevecca Nazarene University.

In his 28-year career in education, all in his hometown of Nashville, Armstrong served as a classroom teacher, an assistant principal, and then a principal—earning local and national recognition for his contributions to his school and community while serving in each position.

“Like Nashville, I too have gone through trials and tribulations to come out the backside of life’s storms greater than I once was,” said Armstrong. “And just like Nashville has been here for me, I will be here fighting for, supporting, and most important, listening to our nation’s principals.”

New NAESP President-Elect and Vice President

Joining Armstrong leading the NAESP Board of Directors are the 2024-2025 president-elect and vice president.

• April Knight, principal of Avondale Elementary School in Columbus, Ohio, begins her one-year term as president-elect, before becoming NAESP president in 2025-2026.
• Ann-Marie Gleason, Ed.D., principal of Harpeth Valley Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee, begins her one-year term as NAESP vice president, before becoming president elect in 2025-2026, and NAESP president in 2026-2027.

New NAESP Zone Directors and Director at Large, Minority

During the 2024 NAESP election in March, members of the association elected new Zone directors and a new director at large, minority, to serve on the NAESP Board of Directors:

• Amy Niemeier, principal of Slate Run Elementary School in New Albany, Indiana, will represent Zone 5 school leaders in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.  
• Christopher Jackson, principal of Hollinger K-8 School in Tucson, Arizona, will represent Zone 9 school leaders in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
• Ryan Daniel, Ed.D., principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, will serve as director at large, minority.

Returning NAESP Board Members

Continuing their terms on the board will be:

• Michael Litke, Ed.D., principal of Naubuc Elementary School in Glastonbury, Connecticut, as Zone 1 director;
• Jessica Quinter, Ed.D., principal of Park Forest Elementary School in State College, Pennsylvania, as Zone 2 director;
• Ed Cosentino, principal of Phelps Luck Elementary School in Columbia, Maryland, as Zone 3 director;
• Ashley Aldridge Wilson, Ed.D., principal of Nolan Elementary School in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, as Zone 4 director;
• Jon Wennstrom, principal of Riley Upper Elementary School in Livonia, Michigan, as Zone 6 director;
• Kenny Newby, principal of Justice Alan Page Elementary School in Maplewood, Minnesota, as Zone 7 director;
• John Befort, principal of Washington Grade School in Ellis, Kansas, as Zone 8 director; and
• Carmen Maring, Ed.D., principal of Gull Lake Middle School in Richland, Michigan, as director at large, middle-level.

To schedule an interview with any of the NAESP board members, email Kaylen Tucker, NAESP associate executive director, Communications, at ktucker@naesp.org.