The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the leading association for middle level and high school leaders, announces the election of six new board members and the historic appointment of Raquel Martinez as its first Latina president.

“I’m excited and blessed to begin this journey of listening, learning and advocating, with the commitment to elevating the voices of our principals,” said NASSP President Raquel Martinez. “Together, I know we can amplify our impact. Let’s inspire one another to believe in our collective power to shape the future of education.”

“Having current school leaders like Raquel and our newly elected board members at the helm is vital for NASSP’s mission,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their firsthand experience in schools across the nation ensures that our advocacy and initiatives are grounded in the realities of today’s educational landscape. Together, we are poised to drive meaningful change and support the success of every student and educator.”

Raquel Martinez is in her second year as principal of Sageview High School in Pasco, WA, and has worked in education for 18 years. Previously, she served as the principal of Stevens Middle School for six years and assistant principal for three years in the same building. Martinez also taught biology at Pasco High School for nearly 10 years. During her final year at Pasco High School, she held the bilingual facilitator position. As a member of the NASSP Board of Directors, she has served on the Advocacy and Governance Committees.

Six school leaders were also elected to serve on the 20-member board: James Allrich, principal of Argyle Middle School in Silver Spring, MD; Tom Brenner, principal of Cloquet Middle School in Cloquet, MN; Todd Dain, EdD, principal of Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, KS; Greg Johnson, principal of West Liberty-Salem High School in West Liberty, OH; Allison Persad, EdD, principal of The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria in Astoria, NY; and Anna Thoma, EdD, assistant principal of Millard North Middle School in Omaha, NE. Martinez will be succeeded by Dr. Evelyn Edney, principal of Early College School at Delaware State University in Dover, DE, in 2025.

The board members’ bios and quotes are below. Photos are available upon request.

Dr. Evelyn Edney, currently the principal at the Early College High School at Delaware State University, was named the 2021 Delaware Principal of the Year. With a career spanning various roles in education, including teaching English and serving as a principal at multiple schools, Dr. Edney has been instrumental in implementing innovative programs and improving student outcomes. She is now serving on the NASSP Board of Directors as president-elect, contributing her expertise to shape educational leadership at a national level.

“I have been a teacher, a student activities coordinator, an assistant principal, a principal and charter leader, and a supervisor of school operations. These experiences have helped to shape me into looking at all kinds of schools and seeing and knowing what each has to offer. I believe that it will help me relate to all kinds of school leaders across our great country and advocate on behalf of them at local, state and national levels.”

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A student-centered leader committed to ensuring the success of each child through high expectations, collaboration, equitable access and excellence in teaching and learning, James Allrich has served as the principal of Argyle Middle School for nine years. He is a fierce advocate for social-emotional, equitable and anti-racist practices. He serves on the board of directors of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals and the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals. He is the 2023 Maryland Principal of the Year.

“My commitment extends beyond fiscal responsibilities, prioritizing the organization’s greater good through political and legislative engagement to serve our members’ interests.”

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Tom Brenner has served as the principal of Cloquet Middle School for 23 years. A profound sense of purpose drove his journey into education and educational leadership: to change the paths of young adults, much like how public education transformed his own life. He has received numerous accolades, including State Coach of the Year and Regional Principal of the Year. He is the 2023 Minnesota Principal of the Year.

“My strongest educational belief is that all students should read at grade level entering high school, ensuring that no academic or career pathways are closed to them. I’m honored to serve on the NASSP Board of Directors and am committed to continuing its vital work in advancing the association and adding value to its membership.”

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A former English teacher and football coach, Todd Dain has served as the principal of Shawnee Mission South High School since 2015. A co-facilitator of the NASSP Principal of the Year Leadership Network and a former NASSP ambassador, he serves on the board of directors of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. He is the 2023 Kansas Principal of the Year.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue to learn, network and promote our mission to transform education and positively impact the lives of all students.”

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Greg Johnson has served as the principal of West Liberty-Salem High School since 2005. After his school experienced a shooting in 2017, he became a founding member of the NASSP Principal Recovery Network. This national network of current and former school leaders who have experienced gun violence tragedies in their buildings assists principals in the immediate aftermath of a crisis and beyond.

He has served as a network facilitator since 2021 and has travelled the country sharing his story of survival and recovery after a school shooting.

“I am excited about this opportunity to serve on the board with a great group of board members and I am ready to do all that I can to advocate for the outstanding principals, assistant principals and student leaders that walk the halls of our schools every single day. NASSP has greatly impacted my career, and I look forward to sharing my story with others as a way to encourage all secondary school leaders to connect in meaningful ways with other colleagues and with NASSP.”

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A former adjunct professor and coach, Allison Persad is the principal of The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria. She is the child of immigrants and the first in her family to attend and complete college. As a school leader, she has focused on closing the gender gap for women in STEM and has built systematic and sustainable structures throughout her community. She is a former co-facilitator of the School Leaders of Color Network.

“If education is the sea, then NASSP is the anchor where deep relationships, tailored learning by and for school leaders, with an undercurrent of well-being and high expectations promote growth for everyone. I am humbled to navigate this board role, collaboratively and collectively.”

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Anna Thoma has served as an assistant principal of Millard North Middle School, an International Baccalaureate World School, for 11 years. Previously, she taught Spanish at both the middle and high school levels and served as a high school dean of students. An adjunct professor, she is the 2022 Nebraska Assistant Principal of the Year and a co-facilitator of the NASSP Assistant Principals of the Year Network.

“I believe in the mission of NASSP and am committed to walk this journey alongside this organization while providing my perspectives, knowledge and time to create a positive impact for our students and leaders across the nation.”

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