Superintendent Shawn Pratt announced the new roles during March 25 and April 22 board meetings. The new district leaders include the assistant superintendent of human resources; executive director of elementary school leadership; chief school improvement and federal program officer; director of purchasing; and the principal of Wolford Elementary School.
The details
Alana Chisum will serve as the assistant superintendent of human resources. Chisum joins MISD from Allen ISD where she has led the human resources department for four years. She has 16 years of experience in education with a decade of administrative experience as a principal, assistant principal and special programs director, Pratt said.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge, not only in human resources, but an overall well-rounded knowledge of all departments in our school system,” Pratt said.
Molly Hovan was named the executive director of elementary school leadership. Hovan currently serves as the senior director of teaching and learning. She has 21 years of experience in education, previously serving as a teacher in Richardson and Frisco ISDs.
Hovan has served in MISD for the last 16 years, including as an assistant principal at McNeil Elementary School and principal at Glen Oaks Elementary School, Pratt said.
“Her experiences in each of these roles have prepared her to lead our elementary campus leaders,” he said. “Everyone who gets to work with Molly knows how outstanding she is, and we look forward to how she’s going to help us in her new role.”
Jennifer Akins has moved into a new leadership role as the chief school improvement and federal program officer. Akins has been in MISD for 24 years and previously served as the senior director of guidance and counseling, Pratt said. She has worked as a teacher and counselor, and as a liaison for homeless and foster care students. Akins also oversaw MISD programs for at-risk students.
“She has often been behind the scenes and has [had] a very positive impact with her leadership," Pratt said. "She has been felt across our district in many, many areas."
In the MISD Purchasing Department, Laura Duree has been promoted to director of purchasing after serving as assistant director. She has spent her time reviewing processes and procedures, and will play an integral role in the district implementation of Skyward, Pratt said.
Webb Elementary School’s Principal Maria Hafner will lead Wolford Elementary School as principal in the 2024-25 school year. She has 29 years of education experience as a classroom teacher, professional development coordinator, reading specialist, instructional coach and principal.
“We are excited to have Maria leading Wolford Elementary,” Pratt said.
