Beverly Emory Britton

Dr. Beverly Emory has 41 years of experience in education and 25 of those as a superintendent in North Carolina and Ohio. She recently served as the NC Deputy State Superintendent and the NC Department of Public Instruction Executive Director of District & School Transformation. She has served as a Teacher, Public Information Officer, Principal and Adjunct Professor. Bev earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Appalachian State University and her doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Believing in lifelong learning, she is currently studying to earn licensure as a Personal Trainer from the American Council on Exercise.

Colonel Linda Riedel

Colonel (P) Riedel is the Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG) and former Brigade Commander of the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade. Riedel is from Barnwell, SC and began her military career as an enlisted soldier and later received her commission through South Carolina’s Officer Candidate School, Palmetto Military Academy (PMA). She is a graduate of the Cyber War College at the National Defense University (NDU), College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC) at Fort McNair, Washington, DC. Riedel is South Carolina’s first commander of the 125th Cyber Protection Battalion (CPB). Colonel Riedel formed a new cyber battalion, basically from scratch, and within 6 months, prepared the battalion for deployment in support of Task Force Echo in March 2018-19. A Task Force of more than 150 Soldiers from various branches across the country to support the Cyber Mission Force. In April 2024 COL Riedel was inducted into the Citadel Academy of Engineers. COL Riedel continues to support the cyber initiatives of the SCARNG and the cyber community. She has a top-secret clearance.
She has over 30 years of service, Colonel Riedel, was selected and awarded the AOC 17A Cyber Operations Officer designation in 2019. Her military assignments include Platoon Leader, 116th and 114th Signal Company, Company Commander, HHC 151, Battalion S-4 HHD 105th Signal, 218th MEB Brigade Civil Affairs Officer, 228th TTSB S-3, 125th Cyber Battalion Commander, Joint Force Head Quarters (JFHQ) G6, 228th Brigade Commander and Chief of Staff, SCARNG.

In 2023 COL Riedel deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield as the Deputy G6 Forward for US Army Central (ARCENT). Responsible for overseeing, directing, and coordinating the provision of a full range of information technology services in the Middle East. In 2018, Riedel served as the Task Force Commander for Task Force Echo II. The Task Force was aligned under the 780th MI Brigade, which falls under the operational control of the U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER). In June 2012, Riedel served as the S1 in support of Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo (KFOR 16). Her responsibilities included Civil Affairs Officer and S-1 for the Multinational Battle Group (East) KFOR 16. In February 2003, Riedel deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Signal Platoon Leader.

COL Riedel has a Master of Science in Government Information Leadership, a concentration in strategic cyberspace & information warfare from the Cyber War College at National Defense Univ. She has a Master of Science in Project Management from The Citadel and a BA from the Univ of South Carolina. She works full-time at The Citadel as the Deputy Director, DOD Cyber Institute. COL Riedel has worked as an Associate Professor of Military Science at The Citadel and as the SCARNG Cyber Project Manager focused on critical infrastructure and state partnerships. She worked as a senior paralegal for ten years in tobacco, asbestos, and pharmaceutical litigation.

Colonel Riedel is married to her husband of 29 years and has two children.

Tracie Swilley

2025 National Principal of the Year
Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley, the 2025 National Principal of the Year, has over a decade of transformational leadership at Fairfield Central High School. Renowned for mentoring and developing future leaders, she has guided numerous educators to promotions and fostered a culture of excellence.
Dr. Swilley has earned accolades such as the 2024 SCASA Secondary Principal of the Year, 2023 SCAAA 2A Principal of the Year, and several community service awards. As an active member of professional organizations like NASSP, SCASA, and ASCD, she serves in leadership roles and contributes to regional education initiatives.
Dedicated to improving student outcomes, Dr. Swilley emphasizes data-driven practices and quality teaching, embodying Fairfield Central’s motto: “Griffins Soaring for Greatness.” She remains committed to ensuring every student achieves success through support and opportunity. Dr. Swilley has two children who she adores dearly, Jalen and Peyton.

Kandace Bethea

Dr. Kandace Bethea has dedicated 28 years as a public-school educator in South Carolina. She serves as Superintendent of Marion County School District in South Carolina. Her career began as an elementary teacher. During her tenure in education, she has served as an elementary school level administrator and has held district leadership responsibilities through her roles of as Director of Instruction, Director of Federal Programs and Deputy Superintendent.
Dr. Bethea prepared herself academically in the field of education through her studies at the University of South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education/Interdisciplinary Studies. She continued her formal training by receiving a Master of Educational Leadership Degree, Educational Specialist Degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Leadership, all from the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Bethea has been committed to ensuring that students are at the center of all decision making. Since her tenure as superintendent, the district achieved first time AdvancEd Systems Accreditation, developed the Academy of Early Learning which is a consolidated pre-kindergarten program, expanded Montessori offerings, opened Creek Bridge STEM Academy which is the district’s first theme based school, created an Early College Program, expanded CTE offerings, secured a multi- million dollar US Department of Education grant, a 7 million dollar Renew Schools Energy grant and developed the DEN (Dedicated Educator’s Nest) which is a three unit teacher apartment complex.

Dr. Bethea serves on numerous boards and is active in several education and civic organizations. Her current involvement in the education field includes; AASA - The School Superintendent’s Association Governing Board member, President of S.C. State Superintendents Division of South Carolina Association of School Administrators’ (SCASA), Pee Dee Education Consortium Board of Directors - Executive Committee, S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Regional Education Advisory Board member, the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee Survey Advisory Group and the University of South Carolina- College of Education Leadership/Superintendent’s Advisory Board member.

Dr. Bethea comes from a family of educators and her educational vision has always been to create a school system that promotes high quality teaching and rigorous and engaging learning experiences that will prepare all students for college, careers and citizenship.

Dr. Bethea lives a very active personal life outside of school with her husband, Jeremy, and their children; Jamison, Jillian and Justin.

Dr. Xanthy Karamanos

Dr. Xanthy Karamanos leads transformative change as Assistant Superintendent of Leonia Public Schools in New Jersey, where she champions an educational vision connecting research-driven practices with classroom innovation. Her leadership philosophy centers on personalized support that enables every student to reach their full potential.
She has developed a sophisticated framework for student achievement that combines differentiated instruction with data-informed decision-making. This approach draws from her doctoral research at Seton Hall University on "The Influence of Professional Development Methods on Student Mathematics Performance in New Jersey Public Elementary Schools." Her research has directly shaped the district's professional development program, creating measurable improvements in teaching effectiveness and student outcomes. Understanding that education thrives through community engagement, Dr. Karamanos has fostered meaningful partnerships among educators, families, and local leaders. Through innovative parent forums and outreach initiatives, she has built a supportive ecosystem where students excel academically and socially.

Lisa Schleer

Dr. Lisa Schleer is a distinguished educational leader and founder of LMS Educational Consulting, bringing over 30 years of expertise in PK-12 administration, special education, data-driven systems, and MTSS implementation. She provides comprehensive needs assessments and transformative solutions to school districts nationwide while guiding EdTech companies in product development and market strategy. Her previous roles include Vice President of Strategic Educational Partnerships at STAGES Learning, Director of Special Services, and Assistant Superintendent. She recently completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership with research focusing on equity in postsecondary access. Dr. Schleer frequently presents at state and national educational conferences, sharing her expertise in inclusive practices, data-driven results, MTSS implementation, and special education programming and compliance. Her work through LMS Educational Consulting has positively impacted over 40,000 students. Her commitment to creating inclusive educational environments and leveraging technology to enhance student outcomes has established her as an influential thought leader in education.

Erica Taylor

Amy Davis, Ed.D

Ashley Bennetone

Darah Huffman

Darah Huffman is an educational leader and transformational Principal of Riverside High School, recognized as the top academic school in Greenville County and among the best in South Carolina. Under her leadership, Riverside has consistently earned Excellent Report Scores for seven years, with measurable growth each year within the “Excellent” category. In 2024, Riverside achieved a 95.3% graduation rate, with 91.1% of graduates prepared for college or careers.

Huffman has driven transformative initiatives, including the "Earn the Tassel" program for at-risk students, a comprehensive Content and Credit Recovery Program to enhance achievement in all courses, and the implementation of structured ILT, data boards, and data-driven strategies to maximize student growth. Her leadership led Riverside to achieve the highest growth in graduation rates for students with disabilities and the highest percentage of graduates meeting dual credit enrollment indicators within Greenville County Schools. She has also significantly expanded opportunities in Dual Enrollment, AP Capstone, PLTW Engineering, and Biomedicals, while fostering a culture of excellence through the Warrior GRIT initiative, which promotes staff development and strengthens school culture.

A graduate of Greenville County’s Executive Leadership Institute and a recipient of the PTA Outstanding Administrator of the Year award. Beyond her professional achievements, she contributes her expertise as a member of the YMCA Camp Greenville Board. Her commitment to creating opportunities for all students and empowering staff to reach their full potential defines her impactful and inspiring leadership.

Becky Dukes

With over 40 years of teaching and leadership in K-12 education, Becky Dukes is an expert in grant management, district leadership, instructional coaching, and teacher development. As an education consultant and keynote speaker, Becky has presented at conferences and worked with schools all along the east coast, emphasizing Building Resilient Schools. She actively shares resources and advice for educators on social media platforms. Residing in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Becky enjoys the beach life with her family. For more information on Becky's work and upcoming speaking engagements, visit her website at www.schoolhousementoring.com.

Angela Bain

Raegan McCullough

Lauren Ross grew up playing multiple sports and progressed to being a college athlete at Western Carolina University. While there, Lauren set numerous records and discovered her passion for health and fitness. Upon graduating, Lauren set out to become a personal trainer. She trained under Mr. USA, won 4th place in a bodybuilding competition, taught PE and Music at a small GA school, and, in 2016, opened her own personal training company, Freedom Fitness. With 9 years and over 13,000 hours of personal training under her belt, Lauren has worked with many overworked, stressed, and burnt-out educators. Around 98% of these educators were on anxiety medication and either lowered their dosage or concluded their prescriptions. With Lauren's understanding of proper health and fitness, she knew her work could empower educators physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thus, The Healthy Teacher (THT) was born. THT has been implemented in 13 states and has over 1500 members. Lauren and Raegan enjoy traveling America, highlighting the fundamentals of health and the power of one’s thoughts and words. They recently opened a second business specifically for mental health called Dan McCullough Affirmations, which offers every person the chance to be encouraged and affirmed.

Lauren Ross

Angela Bain

Raegan McCullough

Lauren Ross grew up playing multiple sports and progressed to being a college athlete at Western Carolina University. While there, Lauren set numerous records and discovered her passion for health and fitness. Upon graduating, Lauren set out to become a personal trainer. She trained under Mr. USA, won 4th place in a bodybuilding competition, taught PE and Music at a small GA school, and, in 2016, opened her own personal training company, Freedom Fitness. With 9 years and over 13,000 hours of personal training under her belt, Lauren has worked with many overworked, stressed, and burnt-out educators. Around 98% of these educators were on anxiety medication and either lowered their dosage or concluded their prescriptions. With Lauren's understanding of proper health and fitness, she knew her work could empower educators physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thus, The Healthy Teacher (THT) was born. THT has been implemented in 13 states and has over 1500 members. Lauren and Raegan enjoy traveling America, highlighting the fundamentals of health and the power of one’s thoughts and words. They recently opened a second business specifically for mental health called Dan McCullough Affirmations, which offers every person the chance to be encouraged and affirmed.

Lauren Ross