The following information was provided by the candidate as part of the process as candidate for the 2024 MASA Executive Board Election. The answers provided have been formatted, but not edited.
Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross
Superintendent
Ypsilanti Community Schools
azacheryross7@ycschools.us
Total years of service as a Superintendent:
12
Total years of service:
29
Previous positions held:
Elementary Teacher (Special Ed and General Education), District Wide School Psychologist and Crisis Support – Detroit Public Schools
Teacher Consultant (Middle and High School EI/CI) and School Psychologist, Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal, and Assistant Superintendent – (Director of Title 1, Director of Early Childhood, Director of Curriculum and Instruction) Van Dyke Public Schools
Superintendent – Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System
Superintendent – Okemos Public Schools
Previous offices held in professional organizations and/or community groups:
Michigan Department of Civil Rights – Council for Government and Education on Equity and Inclusion
Grand Valley State University Alumni – Board of Directors
Toyota Driving Possibilities – Governing Board of Directors
Talent Together –
Isom Memorial CME Church – Pastor
Michigan Association of African American Superintendents – Secretary
National Superintendents Roundtable – Steering Committee
Institute for Education Innovation – Advisory Board
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – Executive Leadership Council
SWPR – Group Advisor
Please detail your previous service to the Association and share why you are interested in serving on the MASA Executive Board:
As a seasoned superintendent with a deep commitment to education, I believe I am an excellent candidate to serve on the MASA Executive Board. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong dedication to professional growth and collaborative leadership.
I have previously served on two SNEL committees, where I gained valuable insights into MASA and the challenges facing our education system. Additionally, my involvement in the Horizon Leadership Academy, as well as the HLA Advisory Board, PGLC, and MASA mentor program, has allowed me to mentor and support aspiring leaders, further strengthening my connection to the MASA community.
I am serving as the Region 8 President-Elect, which has given me a unique perspective on the needs and concerns of superintendents across the state being on the MASA council. I have also had the opportunity to share my expertise as a presenter at the MASA Fall and Winter Conferences multiple years, as well as the WIL conference, demonstrating my commitment to knowledge-sharing and professional development.
With this extensive background in MASA leadership and involvement, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the Executive Board. I am passionate about advocating for the needs of our students and educators, and I am committed to working collaboratively with my peers to drive positive change in Michigan’s education system.
I am excited about the prospect of serving on the MASA Executive Board and would be honored to have the opportunity to lend my diverse perspective, voice, and experience to this esteemed organization.