About

Theory of Action

Focused on strategic communications and public engagement, Leading Now enables superintendents to access and apply messages and trust-building strategies in service of ALL students.

Origin Story

While K-12 superintendents have always been public officials, the role has never been as political as it is now: curriculum, professional development, and school board dynamics are subject to high-stakes scrutiny and fast-moving state legislation. Our country needs courageous leaders at the top of every system to prioritize and accelerate student learning, addressing years of inequities and the devastating effects of a pandemic.

We started Leading Now in 2021 to offer a combination of peer-driven learning cohorts and tech-enabled professional learning to a broad range of superintendents across the country. With the right support, superintendents can defuse tension and seize the opportunity of this moment to rally adults around the potential and needs of ALL children.

Mora Segal and Caitlin Sullivan
Co-founders

Beliefs

Public Education

Our democracy depends on public schools to prepare the next generation of engaged, independent thinkers.

Common Ground

Shared values help keep the focus on student learning and away from politics.

School System Leaders

They carry a profound responsibility on their shoulders and deserve the highest quality support in a trusting community.

Our Team

The center of gravity of our work: 100 superintendents from across the country who have joined learning cohorts and programming with us since fall 2021. The team of staff and advisors below are committed to serving the strengths and needs of our community.

Caitlin
Sullivan

Co-founder, Executive Director

Mora
Segal

Co-founder, Senior Advisor

Anisa
Sullivan Jimenez

Program Director

Elizabeth
Dill

Operations & Finance Director

Cheryl
Watson-Harris

Superintendent in Residence

Advisors

Josh Edelman

Senior Advisor, Transcend Education

Andre Spencer

Superintendent Teaneck Public Schools (NJ)

Andrea Foggy-Paxton

Entrepreneur in Residence, Education Leaders of Color

Andy Plattner

Communications & Public Affairs

Joe Hettler

Senior Vice President, TNTP

Erin McMahon

Superintendent Saugus Public Schools (MA)

Cheryl Watson-Harris

President, Achieve Atlanta