[Jacksonville, FL] – It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools Board of Directors today announced that Executive Director, Dr. Jennifer Brown, will leave the role at the end of the school year to relocate closer to family. “The Board honors the impactful leadership and dedication of Dr. Jennifer Brown, who has been an integral part of this vibrant community for nearly 9 years,” said Board Chair, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
Dr. Brown, who joined the local KIPP team in May of 2015 and was promoted to Executive Director in September of 2017, revealed the carefully planned decision to move back to Charlotte, NC to be closer to family. "My time at KIPP Jacksonville has been incredibly fulfilling, and the support from this community has been invaluable. I’m proud of what the KIPP team has accomplished over the years and I am delighted to have worked intentionally with the Board to identify and develop KIPP's next leader," expressed Dr. Brown.
The Board approved the promotion of Dr. Melissa Fullmore, current Chief Schools Officer, to the role of Executive Director effective in May. "Melissa is an accomplished leader with a track record of success in Florida and Texas. Her dedication and familiarity with our KIPPsters and this community make her an ideal successor," Dr. Brown shared enthusiastically.
A six-year member of the KIPP team, Dr. Fullmore will work alongside Chair Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. and Dr. Brown to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. Notably, key leadership updates were also announced, including the appointment of Zac West, current Chief External Affairs Officer, as the new Chief Operating Officer; Brittney Black, current Senior Director of Leadership Development, will succeed Dr. Fullmore as the new Chief Schools Officer; finally, Drew Waddell, an accomplished charter school finance leader, has joined the organization as the first Chief Financial Officer.
The board and staff of KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Jennifer Brown's transformative leadership and extended a warm welcome to Dr. Melissa Fullmore and her new executive team.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Cole Nones at cnones@kippjax.org.
About KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools: KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools educates 2,900 students in grades K-11 on the north and westside of Jacksonville. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose – college, career and beyond – so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.