Duval County Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Duval County Public Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, administrative strategy, human resources, and communications.

Committed to academic excellence, Duval County Public Schools fosters student growth through comprehensive health education, robust transportation systems, and rigorous social studies curricula across the Jacksonville region.

Leadership Roles at Duval County Public Schools

  • Chief Operating Officer - James Culbert
  • Chief of Staff - Wendy Lehockey
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jacqueline Watkins
  • Chief Communications Officer - Tatyana Wimberly
  • James Culbert - Chief Operating Officer

    James Culbert, the Chief Operating Officer at Duval County Public Schools, directs all logistical frameworks and facility management initiatives. Overseeing the complex transportation networks and infrastructure maintenance, the Chief Operating Officer ensures safe, efficient daily transit for students across the district. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support academic environments while maintaining strict compliance with state safety standards. By streamlining operational workflows, James Culbert directly impacts the quality of the learning experience. Culbert manages large-scale capital projects and facility upgrades, ensuring that physical assets align with the long-term educational goals of the district. Through rigorous oversight of support services, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the foundational needs of the school system remain met, allowing educators to focus entirely on classroom instruction and student achievement within the broader Florida educational landscape.

    Wendy Lehockey - Chief of Staff

    Wendy Lehockey, the Chief of Staff at Duval County Public Schools, architects the strategic alignment between executive leadership and district-wide administrative functions. Coordinating high-level policy implementation, the Chief of Staff facilitates seamless communication across departments to ensure that organizational objectives remain prioritized. This leadership role involves managing the executive office workflow and driving cross-functional projects that support the mission of the district. By synthesizing complex data into actionable insights, Wendy Lehockey enables the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding academic programming and resource distribution. Lehockey monitors the execution of board directives, ensuring that every administrative action supports the overarching goal of student success. Through proactive management of internal processes, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability and fosters a culture of accountability, ultimately strengthening the operational capacity of the entire school system.

    Jacqueline Watkins - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jacqueline Watkins, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Duval County Public Schools, directs talent acquisition, professional development, and workforce management strategies. Overseeing the recruitment of high-quality educators and support personnel, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the district maintains a robust, diverse staff capable of delivering exceptional academic instruction. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs and managing labor relations to foster a positive, productive work environment. By implementing data-driven retention strategies, Jacqueline Watkins directly impacts the stability and quality of the teaching force. Watkins collaborates with district leadership to align human capital initiatives with the evolving needs of the student population. Through the management of benefits, compensation, and performance evaluation systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the professional excellence required to drive student achievement across all schools within the district.

    Tatyana Wimberly - Chief Communications Officer

    Tatyana Wimberly, the Chief Communications Officer at Duval County Public Schools, directs all internal and external messaging strategies to maintain transparency and community engagement. Overseeing public relations, media outreach, and digital content distribution, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that stakeholders remain informed about academic programs, health initiatives, and district milestones. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight student success and promote the value of public education to the broader community. By managing crisis communications and fostering positive relationships with local media, Tatyana Wimberly directly impacts the public perception and reputation of the district. Wimberly coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that all messaging aligns with the core mission and strategic goals of the organization. Through the development of comprehensive communication plans, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens community trust and supports the overall growth of the school system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Duval County Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Duval County Public Schools?
    Duval County Public Schools is led by James Culbert (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Wendy Lehockey (Chief of Staff) and Jacqueline Watkins (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Duval County Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Duval County Public Schools includes leaders such as James Culbert (Chief Operating Officer), Wendy Lehockey (Chief of Staff), Jacqueline Watkins (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Duval County Public Schools have?
    Duval County Public Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Duval County Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Duval County Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Communications Officer.