Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood announced today the appointment of three veteran educational leaders to key leadership roles within the district.
Dr. Matt Anderson was named the executive director of success and resilience, Dr. Heather Benfield was named the executive director of school programming, and Dr. Ronald Marshall, Jr. was named the executive director of outreach and partnerships.
The three leaders bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to equity, and proven track records of student-centered leadership to their new positions.
"Dr. Anderson, Dr. Benfield, and Dr. Marshall represent the caliber of leadership that defines the future of JCPS," Yearwood said. "Their combined expertise in resilience, academic programming, and community partnership will be vital as we continue to innovate and break down barriers for our students. I am confident that their vision and dedication will accelerate our progress toward ensuring every student in JCPS graduates prepared for success."
Dr. Matt Anderson, executive director of success and resilience
Dr. Matt Anderson steps into the role of executive director of success and resilience with more than 17 years of educational expertise.
An expert in school culture, climate, and violence prevention, Anderson has dedicated his career to dismantling systemic barriers and building safe, equitable learning spaces for students facing trauma and high-risk environments.
"True academic success cannot be separated from a student's sense of safety and belonging," Anderson said. "In this role, my priority is to continue building the proactive systems and resilient cultures that allow every student to feel supported, seen, and empowered to reach their full potential."
Most recently serving as the assistant superintendent of Culture and Climate for JCPS, Anderson has been at the forefront of districtwide initiatives to reduce disciplinary disproportionality and establish robust, holistic student supports.
Anderson began his career as a high school social studies teacher, eventually serving as a resource teacher, coach, instructional leader, assistant principal, and principal. He holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University and master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees in education from the University of Louisville.
Key Leadership Highlights:
Systemic Interventions: Spearheaded the creation of the HERO Pilot Initiative, delivering enhanced Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to middle school students
Community Collaboration: Partnered with the Volunteers of America to design early intervention wrap-around services for elementary students
Crisis & Re-engagement: Led the integration of evidence-based practices like the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines and developed tailored re-engagement frameworks for students transitioning from justice-involved or alternative settings
Data-Driven Strategy: Refined data systems to better identify high-risk students, deploy targeted interventions, and evaluate violence prevention metrics
Dr. Heather Benfield, executive director of school programming
Dr. Heather Benfield assumes the role of executive director of school programming, bringing more than 20 years of experience in leadership development, school redesign, and student growth. Currently serving as an assistant superintendent in the JCPS Academic Schools division, Benfield has led professional development and strategic support for 21 middle schools across the district.
A JCPS graduate, Benfield holds Doctor of Educational Leadership and Master of Executive Leadership degrees from Gardner-Webb University in addition to a bachelor's degree in secondary teaching from Bellarmine University.
Her extensive background includes work with the Academies of Louisville, Explore Pathways, magnet school models, specialized school models, and Career and Technical Education (CTE), with a specific focus on removing barriers for marginalized and underrepresented student populations.
"I am excited for the opportunity to advance the vision for every student through this transformative work," Benfield said. "By expanding our already powerful programs, we further empower students to discover their passions, engage in vibrant learning experiences, and graduate prepared for a successful future."
Key Leadership Highlights:
Strategic Growth: Facilitated significant district-wide improvements in graduation rate and post-secondary readiness rates during her time with the JCPS High Schools division
Innovative Programming: Provided strategic leadership for the Middle School Explore Pathways model across 13 schools in support of a career-interest pipeline to the Academies of Louisville
Systems Improvement: Designed and managed the Comprehensive Systems Review (CSR) and alignment of the district's improvement model to enhance school-level performance
Collaborative Leadership: Served as an adjunct professor at Spalding University, where she helped develop equity-centered leaders through the Wallace Foundation grant partnership
Dr. Ronald Marshall, Jr., executive director of outreach and partnerships
With nearly 30 years of educational and administrative service, Dr. Ronald Marshall, Jr. has been named executive director of outreach and partnerships.
Working closely with the Chief of Strategy and Innovation, Marshall will lead strategic partnership development, cultivate cross-departmental alignment, and deepen collaboration with community stakeholders.
"Throughout my career, I have believed that meaningful progress happens when strong systems, authentic relationships, and strategic vision align in service of students," Marshall said. "I look forward to working alongside district leadership, schools, families, and community partners to strengthen connections, expand opportunities, and ensure our collective work continues to positively impact every student we serve."
Marshall holds a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Spalding University, an Educational Specialist Degree Rank I from the University of Louisville, a Master of Arts in Education from Western Kentucky University, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education and Pan-African studies from the University of Louisville. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership in Higher Education at University of the Cumberlands.
Key Leadership Highlights:
District Operations: Served as executive administrator to the chief of staff for JCPS, coordinating large-scale systems, operational planning, and complex multi-division initiatives
Project Management: Contributed extensively to the district's project management frameworks, focusing on closing opportunity gaps and advancing student achievement
Bridge Building: Recognized for a relationship-centered leadership style that effectively links school safety, stakeholder engagement, and community trust