Guilford County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Janie Schwab, the Co-Founder & HR President, Sales at Guilford County Schools, leads human resources strategy and talent acquisition efforts to support the district workforce. Overseeing recruitment and retention programs, the Co-Founder & HR President, Sales ensures the district attracts high-quality educators and staff members. This leadership role involves developing professional development initiatives that align with the evolving needs of the PK-12 curriculum. By optimizing talent management processes, Janie Schwab directly impacts the quality of instruction provided to students. The Co-Founder & HR President, Sales collaborates with department heads to identify staffing requirements and foster a culture of excellence. Through the implementation of effective HR policies, Schwab supports the overall mission of connecting student skills with future career opportunities. This focus on human capital ensures that the district remains competitive in the regional labor market. Ultimately, the Co-Founder & HR President, Sales drives organizational growth by building a dedicated and highly skilled workforce capable of delivering exceptional educational outcomes.

Rashad Slade, the Chief Technology Officer at Guilford County Schools, directs the digital infrastructure supporting PK-12 learning environments. Overseeing the integration of educational software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity across all district facilities. This leadership role involves architecting scalable network solutions that facilitate modern classroom instruction. By managing large-scale data systems, Rashad Slade directly impacts the efficiency of administrative and academic operations. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with regional partners to maintain robust cybersecurity protocols, protecting sensitive student information. Through the implementation of advanced digital tools, Slade supports the district mission of preparing students for a global economy. This strategic focus on technological advancement enables teachers to deliver high-quality curriculum while maintaining operational excellence across the entire North Carolina district. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer drives innovation to bridge the gap between current student skills and future career requirements.

Sonya Stephens, the Chief of Staff at Guilford County Schools, coordinates executive operations and aligns district initiatives with long-term strategic goals. Overseeing the daily workflow of the superintendent office, the Chief of Staff ensures effective communication between departments and the Board of Education. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that impact PK-12 student outcomes across the entire district. By streamlining internal processes, Sonya Stephens directly supports the implementation of educational policies that connect student interests with local economic needs. The Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration with community stakeholders, businesses, and colleges to foster partnerships that enhance the learning experience. Through meticulous planning and execution, Stephens maintains organizational focus on academic success and operational efficiency. This role requires constant monitoring of district-wide performance metrics to ensure alignment with the overarching mission. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the necessary resources and administrative support to sustain high-quality educational delivery throughout the region.

Leslie Deaton, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Guilford County Schools, manages the technical implementation of information systems and data management protocols. Overseeing the maintenance of student information databases, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity and accessibility for educators and administrators. This leadership role involves optimizing software platforms that track student progress and academic performance. By refining data analytics tools, Leslie Deaton directly impacts the ability of the district to identify learning gaps and implement targeted interventions. The Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates with IT teams to support the digital infrastructure necessary for modern PK-12 instruction. Through the systematic organization of information, Deaton enables data-driven decision-making at every level of the school system. This focus on information management supports the broader goal of connecting student skills with future career paths. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Information Officer maintains the technical foundation required for effective educational delivery and administrative transparency.

Tracey Lewis, the Chief Communications Officer at Guilford County Schools, directs all internal and external messaging strategies to engage the community and stakeholders. Overseeing public relations and media outreach, the Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent communication regarding district initiatives and academic achievements. This leadership role involves managing the reputation of the school system while fostering strong relationships with parents, local businesses, and community partners. By crafting clear and impactful narratives, Tracey Lewis directly supports the mission of connecting student interests with the global economy. The Chief Communications Officer coordinates crisis communication and community engagement events to maintain transparency and trust. Through the strategic use of digital and traditional media, Lewis amplifies the success stories of students and staff. This role requires constant alignment with district leadership to ensure that all messaging reflects the core values of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Communications Officer drives public support and community involvement in the educational mission.