In the wake of Tracy Johnson becoming the new Keller ISD superintendent, three other administrators have made transitions to new roles in the district.

In a nutshell

According to a district news release, the following individuals have made job moves:
  • Johjania Najera has been elevated to chief human resources officer.
  • Michelle Somerhalder has been elevated to executive director of human resources.
  • John Allison, who most recently served as interim superintendent, will step into the role of chief operations officer.
A closer look

The news release states Najera was previously KISD’s executive director of human resources, a role Somerhalder has filled. Najera began working for the district in 2010 as director of human resources after serving as Chisholm Trail Intermediate School principal for a year.

Before being named executive director of human resources, the news release states Somerhalder most recently served as KISD’s director of human resources. She began her career in education as a high school Spanish teacher in Decatur ISD before stepping into an administrative role as an assistant principal at Keller Middle School.


According to the news release, Somerhalder’s other administrative positions within KISD have included:
  • Assistant principal at Timber Creek High School
  • Principal at Timber Creek High School
  • Member of KISD’s curriculum and instruction department
The news release states, besides serving as the interim superintendent for the last six months, Allison previously served as the district’s associate superintendent of education, having joined KISD in February 2021 after serving as superintendent in multiple districts in Kansas and Pennsylvania.

What they’re saying

“I am beyond humbled and excited to continue to serve Keller ISD,” Najera said. “It is a privilege to work for this exceptional organization, and I am grateful to Dr. Johnson for entrusting me with this opportunity.”

“I am extremely honored to serve in this new role in the human resources department,” Somerhalder said. “I am able to create meaningful and lasting relationships with amazing staff members in Keller ISD and continue to live my passion of serving others every day.”