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Department Leadership

Commissioner Kevin Huffman, Deputy Commissioner Kathleen Airhart and the department’s leadership team share a commitment to Tennessee students and work to improve teaching and learning conditions in the state through various areas of the education system.

Office Name Phone
Commissioner Kevin S. Huffman (615) 741-5158
Deputy Commissioner Kathleen Airhart (615) 741-5158
Chief of Staff Hanseul Kang (615) 532-3313
Superintendent, Achievement School District Chris Barbic (615) 741-2731
Assistant Commissioner of Data and Communications Erin O’Hara (615) 253-8854
Assistant Commissioner of Policy and Legislation Stephen M. Smith (615) 741-1111
Assistant Commissioner of Curriculum and Instruction Emily Barton (615) 532-9512
Assistant Commissioner of Career and Technical Education Danielle Mezera (615) 253-2114
Assistant Commissioner of Special Populations Joey Hassell (615)253-2112
Assistant Commissioner of Teachers and Leaders Sara Heyburn (615) 253-8856
Chief Information Officer - Technology Richard Charlesworth (615) 741-3261
Executive Director of State Operations Mike Herrmann (615) 741-8468
Legal Counsel Christy Ballard (615) 741-2921
Human Resources Director Vickie Hall (615) 532-6176
First to the Top Director Meghan Curran (615) 532-0611
Communications Director Kelli Gauthier (615) 532-7817