Cherokee County School District Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cherokee County School District has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, administrative operations, technical infrastructure, facility logistics, and public communications.

Committed to academic excellence, Cherokee County School District fosters student success through rigorous curriculum standards and community-focused educational initiatives across the Georgia region.

Leadership Roles at Cherokee County School District

  • Superintendent Chief Executive Officer - Mary Davis
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kenneth Owen
  • Chief Information Officer - Brian Blanton
  • Chief of Staff - Mike McGowan
  • Chief Technology Officer - Dane Rickett
  • Chief Operations Officer - Debra Murdock
  • Chief Communications Officer - Barbara Jacoby
  • Mary Davis - Superintendent Chief Executive Officer

    Mary Davis, the Superintendent Chief Executive Officer at Cherokee County School District, directs the overarching academic vision and strategic planning for the entire public school system. Overseeing the implementation of district-wide educational policies, the Superintendent Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between classroom instruction and state-mandated learning standards. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board of Education to secure funding and prioritize resource allocation for kindergarten through high school programs. By maintaining high performance benchmarks, Mary Davis directly impacts the quality of student outcomes across the Georgia region. Ultimately, the Superintendent Chief Executive Officer drives long-term institutional growth and maintains the integrity of the district's academic mission through consistent oversight of all administrative and instructional departments.

    Kenneth Owen - Chief Financial Officer

    Kenneth Owen, the Chief Financial Officer at Cherokee County School District, architects the fiscal strategy and budgetary framework for the entire public school system. Overseeing the allocation of tax-based revenue and state funding, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term financial stability of all educational programs. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing of expenditures and the development of sustainable financial models to support school infrastructure and staffing requirements. By optimizing the distribution of capital, Kenneth Owen directly impacts the district's ability to provide high-quality resources to students. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer maintains fiscal transparency and accountability, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the core mission of delivering comprehensive education to the community.
    Kenneth Owen

    Brian Blanton - Chief Information Officer

    Brian Blanton, the Chief Information Officer at Cherokee County School District, manages the digital data architecture and information security protocols essential for modern K-12 education. Overseeing the integration of student information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures data privacy compliance and seamless access to digital learning tools for faculty and students. This leadership role involves coordinating with administrative departments to optimize data-driven decision-making processes. By securing the district's digital assets, Brian Blanton directly supports the operational efficiency of the entire school system. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity of the district's information ecosystem, ensuring that all digital resources remain reliable and accessible for the diverse educational needs of the student population throughout the region.

    Mike McGowan - Chief of Staff

    Mike McGowan, the Chief of Staff at Cherokee County School District, coordinates the daily administrative operations and facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and the Board of Education. Overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that all departments remain aligned with the district's primary educational goals. This leadership role involves managing complex projects and resolving high-level operational challenges to maintain organizational efficiency. By streamlining internal processes, Mike McGowan directly supports the Superintendent's vision for academic excellence. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff provides the necessary administrative structure to ensure that the school system functions effectively, allowing educators to focus entirely on student development and classroom success across the entire district.

    Dane Rickett - Chief Technology Officer

    Dane Rickett, the Chief Technology Officer at Cherokee County School District, architects the scalable cloud infrastructure and hardware networks required for modern classroom environments. Overseeing the deployment of educational technology, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and teachers possess the tools necessary for digital literacy and remote learning. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of hardware assets and the implementation of robust network security to protect the district's digital environment. By modernizing the technological landscape, Dane Rickett directly enhances the learning experience for students throughout the region. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer drives innovation in the classroom, ensuring that the district remains at the forefront of educational technology integration and maintains a reliable, high-speed infrastructure for all users.
    Dane Rickett

    Debra Murdock - Chief Operations Officer

    Debra Murdock, the Chief Operations Officer at Cherokee County School District, manages the physical infrastructure, facility maintenance, and logistical support systems for all school campuses. Overseeing the daily operations of transportation, food services, and building safety, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the physical environment remains conducive to learning. This leadership role involves coordinating large-scale facility projects and optimizing supply chain logistics to support the district's operational needs. By maintaining safe and functional facilities, Debra Murdock directly impacts the daily experience of students and staff. Ultimately, the Chief Operations Officer secures the operational foundation of the district, ensuring that all logistical components function smoothly to support the broader educational mission of the school system.
    Debra Murdock

    Barbara Jacoby - Chief Communications Officer

    Barbara Jacoby, the Chief Communications Officer at Cherokee County School District, directs the public relations strategy and community engagement efforts for the entire school system. Overseeing the dissemination of information to parents, media outlets, and the public, the Chief Communications Officer ensures transparency and consistent messaging regarding district policies and achievements. This leadership role involves managing crisis communications and promoting the district's academic successes to build strong community support. By fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, Barbara Jacoby directly impacts the public perception and reputation of the school system. Ultimately, the Chief Communications Officer maintains the vital link between the district and the community, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed and engaged with the educational progress of the students.
    Barbara Jacoby

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cherokee County School District Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cherokee County School District?
    Cherokee County School District is led by Mary Davis (Superintendent Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kenneth Owen (Chief Financial Officer) and Brian Blanton (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Cherokee County School District’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cherokee County School District includes leaders such as Mary Davis (Superintendent Chief Executive Officer), Kenneth Owen (Chief Financial Officer), Brian Blanton (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cherokee County School District have?
    Cherokee County School District has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cherokee County School District’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cherokee County School District includes roles such as Superintendent Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer.