Advocacy Champion of the Year

Roderick “Rod” Sheppard, EdD, deputy superintendent of Florence City Schools in Florence, AL, and former principal of Florence Learning Center, is a 28-year educator and advocacy chair. He represents the state in national meetings, mobilizes principals on policy issues, tracks and advises on education legislation, and leads youth programs on advocacy and civic engagement. 

Kate Worley, EdD, principal of Conway High School in Conway, AR, has been an educator since 2011 and an administrator since 2016. She leads collaborative initiatives with school, government, and higher education leaders to keep public education central to decision-making, elevate student voices in policy discussions, and expand career and technical education opportunities that prepare students for future success.

Andre Hauser, principal of Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, CT, and NASSP Connecticut State Coordinator since 2019, is a respected advocate and 2025 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Finalist. He amplifies local voices in policy discussions, builds strong relationships with lawmakers, and engages students in advocacy through initiatives like Capitol Connections, Elected Officials Days, and mock elections.

Brent Jones, principal of Paxton School in Paxton, FL, and NASSP Florida State Coordinator, tirelessly supports students, schools, and districts through his advocacy and leadership. He represents school leaders at Legislative Days in Washington, D.C., and Tallahassee, mentors colleagues in the legislative process, and empowers both administrators and students to use their voices to shape education policy.

Cleave “Bivins” Miller, principal of Richmond Hill High School in Richmond Hill, GA, and a member of the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals executive board, is a trusted advocate who bridges classroom realities with legislation. A former NASSP Georgia State Coordinator, he meets with legislators to address key issues like teacher retention and rural school support.

Angela “Angie” Charboneau-Folch, Principal of Integrated Arts Academy in Chaska, MN, NASSP Minnesota State Coordinator, and 2025 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year finalist, is a powerful voice for educators and students. She has testified before the state legislature on teacher shortages, championed mental health resources, inclusive schools, worked closely with the Minnesota Department of Education for policy change for alternative programs, and led efforts to connect principals and lawmakers through advocacy events and national NASSP initiatives.

Derek Bellow, principal of Liberty High School in Henderson, NV, NASSP Nevada State Coordinator, and Nevada’s 2023 Principal of the Year, is a strong advocate connecting lawmakers with schools and communities at both state and federal levels. He hosts congressional visits, collaborates with the governor’s office, and mobilizes school leaders to support key legislation—ensuring student and educator voices influence policies that enhance safety and expand opportunities.

Chase Christensen, principal and superintendent of Sheridan County School District 3 in Clearmont, WY, NASSP Wyoming State Coordinator, and Wyoming’s 2025 Principal of the Year, is a leading voice for education advocacy and leadership development. He spearheads the Wyoming Principal Apprenticeship Program to address administrator shortages, unites districts through advocacy campaigns, engages legislators at every level, and champions student voice through workforce development and civic engagement initiatives.