The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), elected four new board members and appointed Dr. Evelyn Edney as its president to advance initiatives that build stronger schools and brighter futures for students. With more than 16,000 school leader members nationwide, NASSP directly supports the principals who make a difference in communities across the country and oversees the National Honor Society and the National Association of Student Councils, programs that recognize and develop student leaders in schools everywhere. 

“I am absolutely delighted to serve as president of the Board of Directors at NASSP,” said NASSP President Eveyln Edney. “We have a powerful board that is poised to connect with school leaders nationwide to ensure we move our profession and education forward. This is my life’s work—to be a servant leader.” 

“These school leaders bring decades of experience and a strong commitment to cultivating school and student leaders to reimagine education,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The board’s work to build strong support systems for our educators and students will directly benefit every family by ensuring their children receive the quality education they deserve.” 

Dr. Evelyn Edney, currently the principal of the Early College 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 ensuring equitable access to dual enrollment programming to improve student outcomes. She is now serving on the NASSP Board of Directors as president, contributing her expertise to shape educational leadership at a national level. 

Four school leaders were also elected to serve on the 20-member board. Dr. Marcus Belin, principal of Huntley High School in Huntley, IL, was elected to succeed Edney as president in 2026. Their bios and quotes are below. Photos are available upon request. 

 
Dr. Jerry Anderson is the principal of Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, IL. She has dedicated her entire career to public education, previously serving as a teacher and spending 25 years as a secondary school principal. Dr. Anderson is committed to making a positive impact on students’ lives, keeping them at the center of decision-making, and creating an environment where they can thrive. She is an advocate for equity and restorative practices in education. An NASSP member since 2000, she served as co-facilitator of NASSP’s School Leaders of Color Network.  

“With the NASSP Board of Directors, I have found my place among principals who are passionate about leadership, teaching, learning and student advocacy. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve with such dynamic, caring school leaders who are dedicated to making a difference.” 

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Dr. Marcus Belin is principal of Huntley High School in Huntley, IL. Belin also serves as president-elect of NASSP and president of the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). In 2025, Belin was named Illinois High School Principal of the Year; he was also recognized nationally as the 2021 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year for his innovative use of technology. Since 2018, Belin has led Huntley High School to national recognition for its student-centered approach, and he actively advocates for educators and students as a member of NASSP’s board of directors and served as the first Black president of the IPA in 2021. Known for his servant leadership and advocacy work, Belin also inspires audiences as the host of the podcast, “Unapologetic Leadership,” and is dedicated to creating educational environments where every student is valued and empowered. 

“I’ve walked the journey as a teacher, a dean, an assistant principal and now as a principal. What I know is that the power of a leader lies not in the position they hold, but in the passion they carry. It’s in the relentless belief that schools can be more than buildings; they can be launchpads for dreams. As president-elect, I’m here to lead a movement, to spark hope, and to create spaces where every child and school leader can see the greatness inside of them and every leader can step into their calling with courage.” 

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Donna Hayward is the principal of Haddam-Killingworth High School in Higganum, CT. She has long demonstrated her commitment to NASSP, chairing committees, leading conferences and representing principals at both state and national levels. After being named the 2023 National Principal of the Year, Hayward emerged as a national spokesperson for principals, advocating for policy changes on behalf of her colleagues across the nation and fostering collaboration between international education organizations. Her leadership centers on shared governance and elevating student voice, ensuring that collective wisdom guides school decision-making. 

“I am truly honored to join the board as working alongside these remarkable educational leaders is akin to flying with eagles. NASSP provides a professional home and vital resources to those called to lead our schools and I am committed to serving all students and their leaders through this organization. As we navigate ever-increasing challenges and opportunities, NASSP’s unwavering belief in and defense of our public education system is perfectly aligned with my own.” 

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Dr. Kyle Nix serves as the principal of Christiana Middle School in Christiana, TN. She always places the needs of faculty, staff and students first in decision-making. Under Nix’s leadership, Christiana became the first STEAM-designated middle school in its district, forging valuable partnerships to enhance STEM/STEAM opportunities for students. Nix is known for providing clear guidelines that ensure instructional quality and support for her team, and she consistently advocates for initiatives that benefit the school community. 

“It is an honor and privilege to serve on the board and work alongside school and student leaders from across the nation to achieve excellence in education. I look forward to carrying out the work of NASSP in providing crucial support for school leaders and fostering the growth of student voice in our communities.” 

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Dr. Nicole Paxton is the principal of Mountain Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, CO. She is the 2025 Colorado Assistant Principal of the Year, and her school earned recognition as a Colorado Trailblazer by the National Forum of Schools to Watch. Paxton is known for her strategic leadership in building cross-sector partnerships and advocating for systemic change, including launching CTE programs aligned with student interests. She serves on the board of the Colorado Association of Middle Level Educators. 

“I’m excited to join the NASSP board and contribute to shaping policies and practices that transform education. This work is about more than leadership—it’s about creating systems that empower students, strengthen communities and ensure opportunity for all.” 

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