Geroge Alvord

CHAIR, NATIONAL URBAN EDUCATION CENTER

George Alvord is also Chairman, CEO and majority owner of Lenny's Franchisor, LLC, parent company of Lenny's Sub Shops. Mr. Alvord, who has over forty-five years of food service experience, is the former CEO of Dobbs International, a global market leader in airline catering. During his tenure at Dobbs, he more than doubled the catering company’s sales, propelling the company to the number two position in the world.  Prior to Lenny’s Franchisor, LLC, Mr. Alvord held executive positions with the Marriott Corporation and the Servomation Corporation.

Mr. Alvord believes in supporting the community where he works. He is a former member of the University of Memphis Board of Visitors; Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Fogelman College; and a member and former Chairman of the Memphis Development Foundation (Orpheum Theatre.) He has served and supported the Child Advocacy Center, Young Life, Juvenile Intervention & Faith-Based Follow-Up (JIFF, Inc.), Campus Crusade, and many other community based organizations. Mr. Alvord attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Missouri State University. Additionally, Mr. Alvord has completed graduate hours in the areas of marketing and finance. He and his wife have four children and eight grandchildren, and reside in Memphis, Tennessee.

Myra Whitney

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL URBAN EDUCATION CENTER

Myra Whitney, who also serves as Memphis City School's Executive Director for Professional Development, oversees the curriculum development, program administration, and day-to-day operations at the center. With a background in teaching, Whitney has spent more than 30 years helping other educators advance their skills. She served as a Supervising Teacher at the University of Memphis' Campus School, where she earned her B.S. in special education and a Master's Degree in educational administration and leadership. In addition, she has earned graduate hours above the master’s level at the University of Memphis and Harvard University.

Racheal Addison, Professional Development Coordinator

Dianne Alexander-Richey, Program Project Specialist

Lytania Black, Professional Development Coordinator

Donna Bohannon, Professional Development Coordinator

Tonya Carter, Statistical Analyst

Tishsha Hopson, Professional Development Coordinator

Charles New, Professional Development Coordinator

Pattie Robinson, Office Manager

Cheryl Ross-Williams, Professional Development Coordinator

Frankie Sharp, Technical Support Specialist

Venessa Spearman, Director, Teaching and Learning Academy

Marilyn Taylor, Curriculum Coordinator

Jean WIlliamson, Special Projects Coordinator

Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners

The existence and continued success of the National Urban Education Center would not be possible without the support and vision on the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners:

Chris Caldwell

Dr. Snowden Carruthers

Ernest Chism

Joseph Clayton

Stephanie Gatewood

Diane George

Tomeka R. Hart

Martavius D. Jones

Teresa Jones

Vanecia Kimbrow

Sara L. Lewis

Betty J. Mallott

Raphael McInnis

David Pickler

Reginald Porter, Jr.

David Reaves

Patrice Jordan Robinson

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr.

Dr. Freda G. Williams

Michael Wissman

Kevins Woods

Billy Orgel, Chairman

Dr. Jeff Warren, Vice Chairman