From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Communication Strategies for Executive Leadership Transitions
From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Communication Strategies for Executive Leadership Transitions
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Learning Lab Stage
Leadership transitions are defining moments in a charter school's life. This session offers charter school leaders, board members, and communications professionals practical tools to build trust, maintain stability, and shape a mission-aligned narrative—both internally and externally. Using a real-world case study, we will explore how thoughtful communication during the search process and the public introduction of a new leader can help a school community navigate change with clarity and confidence.
Presenters
CEO
KIPP St. Louis Public Schools
In 2025, Nathalie Henderson became CEO of KIPP St. Louis Public School, a network of six charter schools educating 2,300 students. Prior to this role, she served as an Executive Vice President at Teach For America. Before that, as Chief Schools Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools, she played a key role in significantly increasing high school graduation rates. As Area Superintendent of Fulton County Schools in Metro Atlanta, she oversaw 18 schools and led a notable turnaround effort. Nathalie began her career in education right here in St. Louis Public Schools through Teach For America, serving as a special education teacher. Over her 12-year tenure, she went on to serve as an assistant principal, principal intern, and principal. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Principal
Mango Strategies
Steve co-founded Mango Strategies to help mission-driven organizations with strategic communications and message development. Steve has advised over 80 non-profits, including the Charter School Growth Fund, Teach for America, and Digital Pioneers Academy. Steve began his career as a high school social studies teacher in the Boston area, where he taught for six years. He served as communications director in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education during the Clinton Administration. Steve then became the first national public affairs director for the KIPP Foundation, leading external communications for 16 years as the charter school network expanded from two to over 250 schools across 20 states.
Chief of Staff
KIPP St. Louis Public Schools
Ashley Odham is the Chief of Staff at KIPP St. Louis Public Schools, where she partners closely with the CEO to lead the execution of regional strategy, drive cross-functional initiatives, and ensure strong organizational alignment. Ashley began her journey with KIPP St. Louis in 2010 as the founding 6th-grade English Language Arts teacher at KIPP Inspire Academy. Since then, she has served in several key leadership roles, including Development, Communications and Marketing Manager, and Director of Talent. A 2006 Teach For America corps member, Ashley started her career in education teaching in New York City and later worked as a Recruitment Director with Teach For America. She holds a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University.