Dr. Patrick Miller
Dr. Patrick Miller, current CCRESA Executive Director, served as superintendent of Greene County Schools from 2008-2022. During his tenure as superintendent, he served as president of NCASCD, NCASA, NCASLD, and NCSSA. In 2019, he was named the A. Craig Phillips NC Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Miller served as the chair of the NC Professional Educator Preparation Camp; Standards Commission from 2017-2022.
Dr. Josephine J. Harris
Dr. Harris is currently employed as a Clinical Assistant Professor at North Carolina
Central University and serves as the Principal Investigator and Director of the
Central Carolina Principal Preparation Program on the campus of North Carolina
Central University. Dr. Harris is a seasoned educator in the former roles of
teacher; high school assistant principal; school district administrator in K-12
instruction and staff development; and, community college instructor. Dr. Harris’
research interests include literacy development; effective mentoring models for
student teachers and beginning teachers; and, self-care for educators.
Dr. Portia Gibbs-Roseboro
Dr. Gibbs-Roseboro serves as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for School Administration Curriculum and Instruction in the School Administration Program at NC Central University. An accomplished educator, she holds a BS in Secondary Mathematics, a master's degree in School Administration, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has recently taken on the role of Co-Principal Investigator for CCP3.
Dana Stutzman
Ms. Stutzman, has been a vaulable member of the CCRESA since 2012. In her role as the Assistant Director, she has consistently demonstrated a dedication to fostering growth and driving innovation within the organization. With a professional background as a legal assistant on Wall Street, Ms. Stutzman brings her expertise to the CCRESA in order to tackle the complex challenges of today's education system. With a commitment to excellence, she hopes to inspire the future school leaders of the Central Carolina Principal Preparation Program.
Dr. Jennifer Jarrett
Dr. Jennifer Nicole Jarrett, completed her dissertation at North Carolina State University in Educational Evaluation and Program Analysis in October 2024. Her dissertation worked to investigate the sense making and behaviors of suburban middle school leaders working to promote Black and Latinx student voices in their schools. Currently, Dr. Jarrett serves as the Central Carolina Principal Preparation Program (CCP3) Support Coordinator.
Lisa Jackson
Lisa Jackson dedicated over 34 years to Pamlico County Schools, including 8 years as Superintendent. Known for her exceptional leadership and innovative approach, she significantly enhanced educational practices and student outcomes. Now serving as the Blue Economy Cluster Lead with STEM East, Lisa continues to advance education and economic development, leaving a lasting legacy in her field.
Dr. Ethan Lenker
Dr. Ethan Lenker has nearly 34 years of experience in education, with 17 years as the Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, where he earned a reputation for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to student achievement. Now, as a member of the STEM East Leadership Team, he continues to advance STEM education, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
Dr. Valerie Bridges
Dr. Valerie Bridges has over 30 years of experience as an educator and school leader in North Carolina. She recently retired from her role as the superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools, having previously served as an associate and assistant superintendent, high school teacher, middle school assistant principal, and elementary school principal. Currently, she is the Green Energy Cluster Lead with STEM East.
Anna Brady
Ms. Brady is a former regional superintendent and high school principal in Guilford County Schools. She has numerous years of experience leading people and communities in a variety of roles and is deeply committed to assisting leaders with personal and professional growth. She launched the successful principal leadership program, "Lead & Learn" with the CCRESA. Her goal is to provide support, help implement improvement strategies, and build collaborative relationships.
Executive Coaches
Dr. McLean has nearly 30 years of experience in North Carolina public education, serving as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Since 2017, she has been Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools, leading transformational change, academic growth, and COVID-19 pivots. Her prior roles include assistant superintendent in Durham and Alamance-Burlington, and school transformation coach with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. She holds degrees from Elizabeth City State University, East Carolina University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, where she also developed school leaders through the Principals’ Executive Program. A lifelong Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member, she lives by the motto, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Dr. David A. Lewis is a veteran educator with 32 years of experience in public education, having served as a teacher, administrator, and district leader. He was named Superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools in July 2021 and retired in April 2023. Prior to his current role with NC East Alliance, Dr. Lewis spent over seven years as an assistant superintendent, overseeing areas such as accountability, testing, technology integration, and special projects. His career also includes leadership positions as executive director for information technology, principal of Rosewood Elementary and High Schools, and assistant principal at Goldsboro High. Dr. Lewis holds degrees in English education, school administration, and educational leadership.
Dr. H. Edward Croom was appointed the sixth President of the University of Mount Olive in October 2020, bringing over 30 years of experience in education, including serving as Superintendent of Johnston County Schools. He is recognized for his leadership in academic achievement, educational development, and strategic planning. Dr. Croom has served on numerous state and national committees and has received numerous honors, including the American Farmers Degree, Johnston County Administrator of the Year, and the NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine. A retired firefighter, he was born and raised in Wayne County and now lives in Johnston County with his wife, Phyllis, and their two sons.