Rena began working with GLISI as a consultant in 2023. Having over 30 years of experience in education, she is currently involved in private consulting work as an Educational Consultant, Lead Faculty of the Master of Education Program and an Assistant Professor for Brewton Parker Christian University, an adjunct professor with Thomas University and does contractual work for Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). Previously, she worked with GaDOE as a School Effectiveness Specialist, a School Improvement Director for Savannah Chatham School District, a Curriculum Director for Coffee County School District, and a School Improvement Specialist with First District RESA. She has worked on multiple projects throughout the state including curriculum auditing, Reading First, Georgia Standards, Balanced Leadership, gifted and reading endorsements, and technology initiatives. Rena received her doctorate and specialist degrees from Nova Southeastern University and her Reading Specialist degree from Georgia Southern University.

JoAnn Brown began working with GLISI as a consultant in 2003 after accumulating over 25 years of combined experience in education as a teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal at the elementary school level.

JoAnn developed GLISI’s Rising Stars Program which effectively trained 600 aspiring leaders throughout the state, provided oversight for the development of two online courses of Organization Leadership and Law and Ethics for Gwinnett County, and has supported strategic planning and aspiring leaders programs statewide.

JoAnn holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida, an M.A. in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of North Florida, an M.A. in Gifted Education from the University of South Florida, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida.

Samantha began working with GLISI as a consultant in 2023. She has dedicated more than 30 years of service to Georgia’s public education system. Prior to serving as Superintendent of the Newton County School System, she held multiple district
executive roles and served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Samantha was named Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year in 2020 and one of four National Finalists for Superintendent of the Year. She has received numerous other honors,
including awards from the University of Georgia, the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), the Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA), and has been recognized by elected GA officials. Samantha currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of West Georgia and has served on numerous state and local boards. Samantha holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Georgia College & State University, an M.Ed. from the University of West Georgia, and a B.A. in English from Marywood University.

Jolie began working with GLISI as a consultant in 2022. Bringing 28 years of experience in education, Jolie has extensive experience in School Leadership, Leadership Development, and Human Resources Services. Her career in education began as a teacher and coach in Crawford County Schools. Next, she was a principal, assistant principal, coach, and teacher in Houston County Schools. Most recently, she has served as Executive Director of Human Resources, Director of Leadership Development, and Principal in Henry County Schools. Jolie began working with GLISI as a consultant in 2022. She is an NAESP-National Certified Principal Mentor and is currently on the Board of Directors for Leadership Henry. She earned an Ed.D. in Leadership from Argosy University, an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision from Georgia College and State University, an M.Ed. in Leadership and Supervision and an M.Ed. in Health and PE from Georgia College and State University, and a B.S. in Education from Georgia Southern University.

Lawrence began working with GLISI as a consultant in 2025. He brings nearly two decades of experience in public education, having served in a variety of leadership roles, including Chief Impact Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and CEO of a college and career academy. Lawrence began his career as a high school counselor in Clarke County, Georgia. His leadership has been instrumental in developing district-wide strategic plans, driving policy reform, and cultivating partnerships with local businesses, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Lawrence also consults with district and school leaders, providing training in decision-making frameworks, risk assessment, policy development, and navigating complex situations. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia, as well as an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Broad Fellow Alumni and a graduate of Harvard’s Institute for Superintendents and District Leaders.

Dave Howland joined GLISI’s team of consultants in 2021 with almost two decades of experience in education. Dave has served as a teacher, the founding principal of a charter high school, and as the Managing Director of External Relations for a charter network that educates over 5,200 students in the City of Atlanta. Currently, Dave also serves as the Executive Director of Teach for America Metro Atlanta where he and his team work to recruit, select, train, and place new teachers across the Metro Atlanta region. Dave holds an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from National Louis University and a B.A. in English from the University of Rochester.