Knox County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Russ Oaks, the Chief Operating Officer at Knox County Schools, manages the physical facilities, transportation logistics, and maintenance services essential for daily operations. Oaks ensures that school environments remain safe, functional, and conducive to learning for every student. By overseeing capital projects and infrastructure improvements, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the physical assets of the district. Russ Oaks coordinates with external vendors and internal departments to optimize supply chain efficiency and resource distribution. This leadership role involves planning long-term facility needs to accommodate regional growth and changing educational demands. Through the rigorous management of operational budgets, the Chief Operating Officer secures the financial health of district services. Oaks drives safety protocols that protect the entire school community. By focusing on the logistical backbone of the organization, the Chief Operating Officer provides the necessary foundation for academic programs to thrive and for students to achieve their goals.

Ani Larsen, the Key Club President at Knox County Schools, leads student-driven service initiatives that foster community involvement and leadership development. Larsen coordinates volunteer projects and charitable activities that align with the district mission of supporting individuals and the broader community. By organizing student members, the Key Club President facilitates opportunities for youth to contribute positively to the region. Ani Larsen manages club operations, including meeting agendas, fundraising efforts, and service event planning. This leadership role involves mentoring peers and encouraging active participation in civic engagement. Through the promotion of service-oriented values, the Key Club President enhances the student experience and builds character. Larsen drives collaborative efforts with local organizations to address community needs. By empowering students to take initiative, the Key Club President contributes to the vibrant future of the district, ensuring that learners develop the skills and empathy required to succeed as active citizens.

Clifford Davis, the Chief of Staff at Knox County Schools, manages internal administrative workflows and coordinates executive priorities. Davis aligns departmental objectives with the broader mission of providing high-quality instruction to students. By streamlining communication between the superintendent and various district divisions, the Chief of Staff ensures operational efficiency across the entire organization. Clifford Davis facilitates strategic planning sessions that address resource allocation and support systems for academic achievement. This leadership role involves monitoring district-wide initiatives to guarantee that every school receives necessary guidance. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability. Davis drives the implementation of policies that foster a supportive environment for both educators and learners. By optimizing administrative functions, the Chief of Staff directly contributes to the long-term success of the district and the overall educational outcomes for the student population.

Freddie Cox, the Chief Technology Officer at Knox County Schools, directs the digital infrastructure and information systems supporting modern classroom learning. Cox oversees the deployment of educational software and hardware to ensure students possess the tools required for academic success. By managing district-wide network security and data integrity, the Chief of Technology Officer protects sensitive information while enabling seamless digital access. Freddie Cox architects scalable technology solutions that facilitate remote and in-person instruction across the region. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to integrate innovative learning platforms into the curriculum. Through the modernization of technical resources, the Chief of Technology Officer enhances the overall efficiency of school operations. Cox drives initiatives that bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology for all students. By maintaining robust systems, the Chief of Technology Officer supports the district mission of fostering a vibrant future through advanced educational tools.

Carly Harrington, the Chief Communications Officer at Knox County Schools, directs all internal and external messaging to ensure transparency and community engagement. Harrington manages public relations, media inquiries, and digital outreach to keep stakeholders informed about district initiatives. By crafting clear narratives regarding educational goals, the Chief Communications Officer builds trust with families and the broader community. Carly Harrington oversees the development of communication strategies that highlight student achievements and district milestones. This leadership role involves coordinating with school leaders to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. Through the implementation of effective outreach programs, the Chief Communications Officer fosters a collaborative environment between the district and the public. Harrington drives efforts to promote the value of the educational resources provided to students. By maintaining open lines of communication, the Chief Communications Officer supports the mission of investing in individuals to create a vibrant future for the entire region.

Jonathan Rysewyk, the Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer at Knox County Schools, designs the instructional framework and curriculum standards that drive student learning. Rysewyk oversees academic programs, teacher development, and assessment strategies to ensure high performance across all grade levels. By analyzing student data, the Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer identifies areas for improvement and implements targeted interventions. Jonathan Rysewyk collaborates with school principals to align classroom practices with district-wide educational goals. This leadership role involves evaluating pedagogical methods to maximize student engagement and achievement. Through the continuous refinement of the academic curriculum, the Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer prepares students for future success. Rysewyk drives professional development initiatives that empower educators to deliver high-quality instruction. By focusing on academic excellence, the Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer ensures that the district provides the necessary support for every student to reach their full potential.