Executive Board Election Nominees
The elections for President-Elect, Secretary and Region Representatives are coming soon! Electronic voting will begin at 8:00 AM (EDT) on Friday, August 1, 2025. Voting closes at 5:00 PM. (EDT) on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The President-Elect, Secretary and Regional Representatives will be announced during the Annual Business Meeting held on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
You MUST be a CURRENT AASPA member to Vote!
President-Elect Candidate: Dr. Vincent Citarelli
Vincent Citarelli has been a dedicated leader in K12 public education for over three decades, with experience in school HR, instructional leadership, and talent management. He began his career as a high school math teacher, where his passion for teaching, mentoring, and organizational growth became evident. After transitioning into administrative leadership, Vincent successfully led the development and transformation of three high schools, cultivating high-performing cultures rooted in student-first philosophies, collaboration, and student achievement.
It was during these leadership roles that he developed a deeper passion for the systems and structures that support high-quality teaching. That passion ultimately led him into HR leadership. He currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent, HR for Garnet Valley, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Vincent oversees all facets of human capital strategy, including recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, leadership development, labor relations, and organizational culture. His work focuses on building talent systems that empower educators, strengthen teams, and ensure every student has access to outstanding instruction.
A devoted member of AASPA for the past 17 years, Vincent has presented at national conferences on issues in K-12 HR, mentored new and aspiring HR professionals, and served on various AASPA committees, including Professional Development, Legislative, Membership, and Finance. For the past three years, he has served on the AASPA Executive Board as Region 3 Representative. In this role, he has helped amplify the voices of state affiliates, bridge national and regional priorities, and promote member engagement.
Vincent’s academic work reflects his commitment to evidence-based practice. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania, his dissertation, “Teacher Hiring Practices: What Practitioners Say Work,” examined the practical strategies used by school leaders to attract and select high-quality teachers. That research reinforced his belief in critical connection between educator quality and student success. It continues to inform his approach to HR leadership today.
Colleagues and peers describe Vincent as thoughtful, strategic, and service-oriented. His leadership style is built on trust, deep listening, and follow-through. He is widely respected for his ability to bring people together, navigate complex issues with integrity, and support the growth of emerging leaders in the field. Whether working at the district, state, or national level, Vincent is committed to advancing the mission of public education through a strong, well-supported, and inspired educator workforce.
Vincent Citarelli will bring the following to the position:
- Experience: A track record of service and leadership within AASPA;
- Vision: A forward-looking approach grounded in our four pillars—membership, organizational optimization, advocacy, and professional development;
- Commitment: A belief in listening, collaboration, and shared success.
His leadership style is characterized by listening, collaboration, and reflection. He believes in shared leadership. He would focus on connection, growth, and stewardship. Vincent wants members to feel more connected to one another and to the mission of AASPA. He is committed to growing the next generation of leaders within the organization, leveraging his understanding of AASPA’s history to respect our members and share his excitement about what is possible for the future.
President-Elect Candidate: Tanisha Holland
It has been an honor to serve AASPA over the past decade as a presenter, committee leader, and currently as Secretary on the Executive Board. I am running for President-Elect because I believe deeply in this organization’s mission and in our collective power to shape the future of PK–12 human capital leadership. With every challenge we face—staffing shortages, compliance demands, and evolving workplace expectations—AASPA continues to be a vital source of strategy, innovation, and community. I am ready to lead us forward.
I currently serve as Director of Talent Development for Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), Virginia’s third-largest school division. In this role, I oversee performance management, leadership development, and mentoring and coaching for over 13,000 employees. My work is centered on aligning systems and people to create high-performing, engaged teams. My prior leadership roles in Prince William and Fairfax County Public Schools, ranging from equity and employee relations to talent acquisition, have given me a deep understanding of how HR systems drive school improvement.
My AASPA journey began in 2015. Since then, I have chaired the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Professional Development Committee, and served on the Legislative and Scholarship Committees. I have presented at Annual Conferences, Human Capital Leadership Summit, DEI Summit, Virtual Legal Summit, Virtual Recruitment, Retention, Onboarding & Mentoring Summit, and Personnel Administrator Boot Camp on topics such as employee engagement, emotional intelligence, leadership development, conflict resolution, and effective performance systems. These experiences have shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to serving our members at every career stage.
If elected, I will focus on four key areas aligned with AASPA’s Strategic Plan:
Strengthening Advocacy. I will help amplify the voice of PK–12 HR nationally and support local advocacy through our state affiliates. Our profession must be strategic and united in representing the interests of school personnel leaders across the country.
Enhancing Membership Value and Engagement. I will support efforts to refine onboarding and membership structures so all HR professionals, from newcomers to seasoned leaders, feel supported and reflected in our community. I will also advocate for stronger connections with state affiliates and expanded recognition programs.
Expanding Professional Development. AASPA is known for excellence in learning. I will champion flexible, on-demand content and microlearning formats to meet the evolving needs of busy HR teams and support the continued growth of our certification program.
Optimizing Organizational Performance. I believe in transparency, collaboration, and shared leadership. I will work to elevate emerging leaders, strengthen committees, and promote inclusive participation across all member roles and regions.
My leadership style is grounded in communication, connection, and action. I enjoy traveling with my husband, two daughters, and mom and love going on long walks with our golden doodle who keeps our family on our toes.
It would be my honor to serve as your next President-Elect. I respectfully ask for your vote.
Secretary: Dr. Latanza M. Harrison
Dr. Latanza M. Harrison has been the Chief Human Resources Officer for Alabaster City Schools, Alabaster Alabama since 2020. ACS is a suburban public- school district located in South Central Shelby County. ACS is the only public- school district in the City of Alabaster. There are five schools in the district with a total of 850 employees and 6,121 students in grades PreK through 12. Latanza served as the Coordinator of Human Resources for Alabaster City Schools from 2014-2020. In 2013, she joined the ACS family as the Coordinator of Federal Programs serving three elementary schools in the district. Prior to her experience as the Coordinator of Human Resources for Alabaster City Schools, she served in the area of Federal Programs and Human Resources Administration as a Director of Federal Programs and Director of Human Resources. Her role as a Middle School Specialist for the Alabama State Department of Education resulted in technical assistance and professional development training opportunities for school staff and administrators statewide and in establishing the first statewide SREB pilot of MMGM schools. She also served as a middle school assistant principal for five years.
Harrison received her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Technology from Auburn University. She also has a Master’s in Mathematics Education and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Biology Education.
Latanza has been an active member of AASPA for eleven years, serving as Chair and Co-Chair of the Nominating Committee from 2020-2024 and member since 2019, the Leon Bradley Scholarship Committee for six years, and has contributed to the field of HR for many years. One such example of this is her participation and completion of the pHCLE certification process as one of the inaugural Cohort groups in 2017 and the eHCLE in 2023. As a result, she now advocates for new enrollment by recruiting members in her state affiliated group.
Latanza was nominated for the 2024 CLAS Leadership Award by the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA), recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions to education in Alabama. In 2023, she also received the AASPA's Special Recognition Award, a national honor that celebrates individuals making significant impacts in school personnel administration.
As the current Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators President- Elect, previous Secretary and Treasurer from 2016-2024 and member of the Executive Board for the Alabama Association since 2016, she provides a wealth of knowledge and guidance to HR professionals statewide through the facilitation and management of an organizational online communication system. Likewise, she provides HR literacy to school personnel association members in the state by planning professional development opportunities for all members and staff. She successfully engages other HR professionals through participation in the Society for Human Resource Management, Alabama Society for Human Resource Management and the Birmingham Society for Human Resource Management organizations annually and monthly. As a result, she was instrumental in assisting with membership drives by serving as a member of the membership committee from 2014-2019. Latanza has also been an active member of the Lions Club International and Alabaster Lions Club which is involved in projects and activities on a local, national, and international platform.
Secretary: Michele Stephens
Michele Stephens currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Rockdale County Public Schools in Georgia, where she brings over 24 years of experience in education, human resources, and mental health. Her career spans roles as a teacher, special education coordinator, and employment manager, culminating in her current leadership position.
Michele holds a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University. She completed her initial Special Education Teacher certification through the University of Georgia as she began her career in Education. She is a certified Professional Human Capital Leader in Education (pHCLE), a SHRM Senior Certified Professional, and holds multiple credentials in educational leadership, DEI, and Title IX compliance.
A dedicated advocate for equity and excellence in education, Michele actively contributes to several professional organizations. She serves on the Executive Board of the Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators (GASPA), and chairs the AASPA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Her leadership has been recognized through multiple GASPA “Best in Class” awards for innovative recruitment and retention practices and a the 2024 AASPA C.S. Robinson District Innovation Award.
Michele is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences, sharing insights on educator retention, ethics, and inclusive practices. Her collaborative spirit and strategic vision make her a respected leader in the field of school personnel administration.
I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Office of Secretary with the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. With over two decades of experience in education and human resources, I bring a deep commitment to advancing our profession through collaboration, innovation, and equity.
As Chair of the AASPA DEI Committee and prior active leadership and membership on Membership Committee, I have worked to strengthen our community by fostering inclusive engagement and supporting the professional growth of our members. My leadership in Rockdale County Public Schools has been grounded in strategic HR practices that prioritize educator retention, ethical leadership, and student-centered outcomes.
If elected, I will bring the same dedication and organizational excellence to the role of Secretary—ensuring transparent communication, accurate record-keeping, and meaningful member engagement. I believe in the power of our collective voice and am committed to supporting AASPA’s mission to elevate the field of school personnel administration.
Thank you for your consideration and your continued service to our schools and communities.
Region 3 Representative: Jackie Levine
In Region 3, we face unique opportunities and challenges — from attracting and retaining diverse talent in a competitive landscape to addressing emerging trends like AI in HR, tackling evolving state policies, and navigating a multigenerational workforce. As your representative, I will champion the interests of our region while strengthening connections among members, sharing practical resources, and amplifying the innovative solutions our local districts are developing. I believe AASPA’s greatest strength is the collective expertise and dedication of its members. If elected, I will work to expand our professional learning networks, elevate the voices and needs of Region 3 at the national level, and ensure that we remain at the forefront of issues that matter most to school personnel administrators.
Thank you for considering me for this important role. I would be honored to represent you and help advance AASPA’s mission to develop effective human capital leaders who make a difference in the lives of students, staff, and communities.
Region 4 Representative: Jessica Bennington
Jessica’s greatest passion is developing pathways for individuals to reach their full potential, both students and employees. She is in her tenth year as the Executive Director of Human Resources with the Ogden School District in Ogden, Utah.
During her twenty-one years in education, counting her service as an Education Support Professional, Jessica has held multiple positions that have enhanced her skillset and mindset. Her unique experiences, starting as a student custodian and working her way to a successful career in education, provides the organization with multiple perspectives. Her education experience includes being a student custodian, after school support professional, elementary teacher, junior high classroom management instructional coach, assistant principal at both the high school and junior high levels, principal of a turnaround Junior High School, and Executive Director of Human Resources.
Jessica has presented at the AASPA conference, Human Capital Leadership Summit, Educator Shortage Summit, led several webinars, and served as AASPA’s Chair of Professional Development and Chair of Membership. Currently, she serves as the Region 4 Representative, and a supporting member of the Professional Development Committee and the Legislative & Governmental Committee.
She is an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University, teaching in the Master’s of Education in Education Administration program. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Weber State University, Utah, a Master of Education in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University, Arizona, and the coveted pHCLE and eHCLE certifications.
For a detail of each position and the nominations/election timeline go to: https://www.aaspa.org/executive-board-nominations