Keynote Speakers
Michael Petrilli -- Deputy Undersecretary, USDE
As the second-ranking official in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement, Michael Petrilli oversees approximately two-dozen discretionary grant programs that support a variety of education reforms, including alternate routes to certification, charter schools, and more. He also coordinates the Office's evaluation and dissemination activities and works to promote promising innovations in education. Prior to his appointment at the Department, he served as Vice President of Community Partnerships at K12, an Internet education company. Previously, he served as Program Director at the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation where he led school reform efforts in Dayton, Ohio, and edited education policy reports. Before that, he directed student leadership programs at the Joy Outdoor Education Center in Clarksville, Ohio. Mr. Petrilli holds a Bachelor's degree in Honors Political Science from the University of Michigan and a teaching certificate in high school social studies.
Winston Odom, Ed.D. -- President-Elect Nominee, AASPA; Superintendent, Hopewell Public Schools
Winston Odom is running for President-Elect of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators with an outstanding local, state and national reputation. He just completed his first year as the Superintendent of Hopewell City Public Schools in Hopewell Virginia. The system is an urban school district with less than 4,000 students.
Prior to becoming Hopewell's superintendent in 2003, Dr. Odom served as the Director of Employee Relations with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Before going to Virginia Beach, he served in the role of Teacher Education Specialist for Alternative Licensure and Recruitment with the Virginia Department of Education, in Richmond, which included the development of the Virginia Career Switcher Program for persons with non-educational backgrounds interested in transitioning into a teaching career and coordinating the State School Leaders Program for the 15 approved colleges and universities responsible for the development of school principals and superintendents seeking a state license.
Other past roles include: Executive Director of Human Resources and Administration; Personnel Administrator; principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher. He received his Doctorate from Virginia Tech; Masters from UVA; and BS from North Carolina A&T State University.
Marcus J. Newsome -- Superintendent Newport News Public Schools
Marcus J. Newsome was appointed superintendent of Newport News Public Schools in June 2003. Upon taking the helm, Dr. Newsome established a vision for Newport News Public Schools: establishing a world-class school system that gives students the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.
By developing a Blueprint for Success, Dr. Newsome has outlined his priorities for the school division, built on a foundation of high expectations.
Prior to coming to Newport News, Dr. Newsome served as a regional executive director of Prince George's County Public Schools in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the country's 18th largest school district.
