Leadership Team

Shareyna Chang

Chief of Staff

Email: schang@rvaschools.net

Shareyna Chang has spent her career advocating for educational equity for all students regardless of race, socio-economic status, or the neighborhood they live in. Most recently, Shareyna served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Indianapolis Public Schools. In collaboration with parents, students, and community stakeholders, she led the development and codification of a 7 year reorganization plan that reimagined the structure of the district.  

Shareyna began her career as an elementary teacher. She then worked in the Indianapolis Mayor's Office of Education Innovation where she monitored and analyzed the academic and governance health of the city’s public schools. From there, she joined the Indianapolis Public School team, and worked in district talent strategy and school quality evaluation. Shareyna earned her Bachelor's in Environmental Affairs from Indiana University and her Master's in Teaching from Marian University.

Leslie Wiggins

Chief Academic Officer, Elementary Education

Email: lwiggins@rvaschools.net

Dr. Leslie Wiggins has spent her career working to increase educational equity and excellence in schools for students historically underserved and marginalized. She believes this work must be done while creating a culture and climate where building authentic, trusting relationships among stakeholders is a priority.

Dr. Wiggins joined Richmond Public Schools as an elementary principal director. Previously, Dr. Wiggins has served as an elementary and middle school exceptional education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and reading supervisor in Chesapeake, Virginia. Dr. Wiggins earned her bachelors degree from Elizabeth City State University and masters degree from East Carolina University focusing on educating students with disabilities.  She completed her educational specialist degree and doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies at The George Washington University.  She also serves as a professorial lecturer for The George Washington University providing instruction to future leaders in instructional leadership, equity, and social justice.

Solomon Jefferson

Chief Academic Officer, Secondary Education

Email: sjeffer2@rvaschools.net

Solomon Jefferson has spent his career working to expand the educational opportunities for the scholars who have fewer life prospects and opportunities than their more fortunate counterparts. He has also focused on developing strong teacher and school leaders that make a significant impact in their scholar’s lives. Jefferson’s commitment to education spans more than 23 years. He began his career as a Teach for America corps members in Eastern North Carolina, teaching upper elementary scholars and later served as a literacy coach, assistant principal and as a principal.

Prior to his work as Chief Academic Officer for Secondary, Jefferson served as the Principal Director of Middle Schools in Richmond Public Schools (RPS). In this role he supported and supervised ten secondary principals through coaching and thought partnership. Jefferson is dedicated to life-long learning and has several degrees and certifications: a bachelor’s degree in political science from Radford University; a master’s degree in middles grade education from Mercer University; and earned his certification for educational leadership from Georgia State University. His love for education was inspired at an early age by his elementary and middle school teachers in RPS. Jefferson’s teachers worked closely with his parents and consistently held him to high standards and they were deeply committed to his achievement. His work is fueled by his experiences as a student and his commitment to providing the same high-quality opportunities for all.

Danielle Greene-Bell

Chief Engagement Officer

Dr. Danielle Greene-Bell has spent her career creating access pathways, developing learners, and advocating for educational equity. As a former teacher-researcher with publications in scholarly journals like Urban Education, Sociology of Education, and Harvard Educational Review, she has dedicated her career to working alongside communities often overlooked and underestimated. A longtime advocate of relationship building, Dr. Greene-Bell looks forward to collaborating with Richmond's families and community members to continue elevating Richmond Public Schools to greater heights. 

A third-generation Richmond Public Schools educator, Dr. Greene-Bell began her career as a middle school teacher through the Richmond Teacher Residency Program. In addition to following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother to cultivate the power of education, she previously worked as the Chief of Staff for the Richmond Resilience Initiative and as the first People Operations hire for Coactive AI in Silicon Valley. She earned a Bachelor's in English and History from The College of William and Mary, a Master of Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a PhD in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education from Stanford University. 

Dana Fox

Chief Operating Officer

Email: dfox4@rvaschools.net

Dana Fox has spent her career advocating for gender equity in industries where women have traditionally been under-represented. Most recently, Dana served as the Director of School Construction at RPS, where she has led the work to design and build a new George Wythe HS, renovate Clark Springs ES, and rebuild Fox ES.

Dana began her career in commercial construction, building the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building on James Madison University's campus. She has also led critical construction projects in Henrico and Goochland Counties. Dana earned her Bachelor's in Construction Management from East Carolina University, and is currently serving as Virginia's 2023 Emerging Leader for the Southeastern Association of School Business Officials. 

Renesha Parks

Chief Student Wellness Officer

Email: rparks1@rvaschools.net

Renesha Parks brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to her role as Chief Wellness Officer at Richmond Public Schools (RPS). With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban youth, she spearheads initiatives that prioritize the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of all RPS students.

Renesha's journey began in the classroom, where she honed her skills as a special education teacher. Witnessing firsthand the impact of social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices on student success, she became a passionate advocate for holistic student wellness. Her leadership roles in exceptional education and school administration within RPS solidified her commitment to creating a supportive and equitable learning environment for all.

As Chief Wellness Officer, Renesha champions a comprehensive approach to student well-being. Her initiatives span diverse areas, including social-emotional learning: integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum to equip students with essential life skills like self-awareness, communication, and conflict resolution; and trauma-informed practices such as fostering a school climate that recognizes and understands the impact of trauma on learning and behavior, creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Renesha believes in the power of collaboration to create lasting change. She works closely with educators, families, community partners, and students themselves to develop and implement evidence-based wellness programs that meet the specific needs of the RPS community.

Renesha's commitment extends beyond RPS. She is a recognized leader in the field of educational equity, advocating for policies and practices that ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Outside of her role at RPS, Renesha is a devoted mentor and role model for young people. She is passionate about promoting social justice and equity in education, and her dedication to her community extends beyond the school walls. Renesha Parks is more than just a Chief Wellness Officer; she is a champion for every student in Richmond Public Schools. Her unwavering dedication to student well-being is an inspiration, and her leadership is driving positive change that will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless students.

Maggie Clemmons

Chief Talent Officer

Email: mclemmons@rvaschools.net

Maggie M. Clemmons is committed to ensuring that teachers, school leaders, educational professionals, and all those who champion our school community are knowledgeable, engaged, and supported. With a focus on increasing the educator pipeline, elevating the profession, enhancing school culture and the learning environment, empowering teams to improve processes, and ensuring innovative practices, Maggie hopes to make a meaningful impact at Richmond Public Schools. Prior to coming to RPS, Maggie spent six years at the Virginia Department of Education, first serving as the Director of Organizational Development and Advancement, and then as the Director of Licensure and School Leadership, as well as a staff liaison for the Board of Education’s Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure.

Maggie started her career as a classroom teacher, moved into a leadership role as a building level administrator, and then became part of a school division’s central office staff. In addition, she previously worked for the House of Delegates as the Director of Legislative Education and Development. With almost 20 years’ experience in both rural and urban school divisions and private schools, she is committed to ensuring that every student in RPS has access to a diverse team of highly qualified professionals who lead with love and will maximize the potential of all learners.