Our Team

Dr. Duke Bradley, III has served as the Superintendent of Newton County Schools since 2023, bringing a deep background in district leadership, school improvement, and innovative program development. A native of Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Bradley holds degrees from Morehouse College, Brown University, and John Marshall Law School, as well as a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Bradley is very active in his community, serving as a charter member of the United Way of Metro Atlanta’s Child Well-Being Steering Committee. He is also a member of the 2018 Class of Leadership Atlanta and a member of the Atlanta chapter of 100 Black Men of America.

Loucy has been an advocate of public education in the Newton County community for over 30 years, from serving as PTO president in her children’s schools to helping establish the Newton Education Foundation. A graduate of Agnes Scott College, Loucy serves as Vice Chair of the college’s Board of Trustees. She also serves on the Board of Counselors for Oxford College of Emory University. Loucy and her husband, Sam Hay, own Main Street Land and Properties, a commercial real estate management and development company based in Covington. Their two children are proud graduates of the Newton County School System.

Jeff Herold is the founder of Warrior Leadership LLC and a retired law enforcement and military leader with more than 30 years of public service. He began his career in the U.S. Army as a Military Police K-9 Handler before continuing his service in the Air Force Reserve, where he achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, attained by the top 1% of the force. He deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Secure Tomorrow. Jeff also served 18 years with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department as a patrol officer and Crime Scene Investigator and later spent nine years at the Defense Forensic Science Center providing leadership development training. He holds degrees from Georgia Military College and the University of Florida and continues serving his community through active shooter response, Stop the Bleed, and firearm safety training.

Michelle, a native of Sumter, SC has been a resident of Newton County since 2005.  She earned her BS in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology & Audiology.  When her family moved to Covington, Michelle worked as a school-based SLP in Rockdale and Newton Counties. Michelle has been an active volunteer with the PTO at Newton County STEAM Academy since 2011, serving many roles over the years including Hospitality Chair, Partners in Education Chair, and 2 two-year terms as President. Michelle and her husband Mike have two kids who are products of Newton County Schools and she is excited to bring her skills to NEF. 

Bryant Johnson matriculated through the Newton County School System, from Ficquett Elementary to Eastside High School. A byproduct of local educators, he has a cemented interest in the continued success of Newton County students, teachers, and community partners. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University and an M.B.A. in Finance & Real Estate from MIT Sloan School of Management. Bryant is a Managing Partner of Willow Oak Capital, a real estate investment firm that specializes in workforce housing investments across the Southeast.

Helen Johnson is a native of Dunn, NC and has proudly called Covington home since 2004. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Columbus State University and is also a licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent. With more than 18 years of nonprofit experience, Helen has dedicated her career to helping families gain access to resources and opportunities they need to thrive. As owner of Johnson Financial Services Group, she assists families with estate and retirement planning and legacy building. Helen actively serves her community through organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, Soaring Heights and Newton Mentors, believing every child can succeed when given access to resources and opportunities. She is looking forward to volunteering with the Newton Education Foundation, where she hopes to continue making a lasting impact in the community she proudly calls home.

Danielle Jones is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and has called Newton County home since 2010. She is a graduate of Kennesaw State University, where she earned her degree in Criminal Justice. A mother of six, she strongly believes it takes a village to support children and is dedicated to nurturing that village within Newton County by working to strengthen collaboration between families, schools, and the community. Over the years, she has served as PTO President, School Council Chair, and Vice Chair at her children’s schools as well as on various committees, and currently serves on the board of a local youth-centered nonprofit. She enjoys volunteering with schools and youth programs, sewing, crafting, and spending time with her family.

Jill has taught in public (APS), private and international schools, directed service-learning programs, and served as a school chaplain. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and faith-rooted, she has served the wider community through anti-racism efforts, ministries with people living on the margins, participatory grant-making, group facilitation, and healing relationships among unlikely partners. Her family has had roots in Newton County for generations. She believes in “getting curious”- by seeing and engaging peoples’ gifts, and listening to and valuing lived experiences, communities can generate enough hope and honesty to mend what is torn, and keep going with the hard work of change.

Dr. Quinita Morrow is an award-winning educator and leader with 19 years of experience empowering students to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. She teaches marketing at Alcovy High School, where she also serves as Assistant Testing Coordinator, DECA Advisor, and Marketing Content Leader for Newton County Schools. She holds degrees from Albany State University, Troy University, and Walden University, reflecting her commitment to education as both opportunity and responsibility. A LEAD CTAE Class of 2024 member, Georgia Marketing Educator Association New Teacher of the Year, and the 2026 Newton County District Teacher of the Year, Dr. Morrow is dedicated to expanding student opportunities while fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Shamus is a lifelong resident of Newton County who graduated from Eastside High School in 2002. Shamus earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech in 2006 and has worked at SRG Global for the past 17 years. SRG Global is a Tier 1 Automotive Supplier specializing in exterior trim. Shamus has held various positions with the company including Industrial Engineer, Program Manager, Plant Manager and Director of Operations Transformation. Currently he is the Director of EVBOX business using his skills to lead a special project to build electric vehicle charging cabinets for the company EVBOX. Shamus is excited for the chance to bring the community together in support of the school system that helped him achieve his goals.

Catrice Perkins is a proud native of Newton County and a graduate of Newton High School. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Economics from Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, and began her graduate studies at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, before later completing her MBA at Strayer University. Catrice currently serves as a Commercial Underwriter with State Farm and is a graduate of the Leadership Newton Class of 2024. She is also an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter.
Passionate about advocacy, education, and community engagement, Catrice is dedicated to creating meaningful impact through service, leadership, and a continued commitment to empowering her community.

Wendy grew up in Newton County and graduated from Eastside High School in 2013. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University and a Master of Science in Law from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2021. This interdisciplinary background equips her with a unique and effective approach to problem-solving that spans into a variety of industries. Beyond her professional pursuits, Wendy finds joy in exploring nature trails and volunteering in her community. Additionally, she channels her creativity into her photography business, W. Rodriguez Photography, LLC, based in Covington, GA.

Zayvion Sheppard is a community builder, emerging leader, and passionate champion for building stronger, more inclusive communities across Georgia. A 2025 Graduate from Georgia State University, he made history as a freshman by becoming the youngest person ever elected Student Body President. Professionally, Zayvion has worked at the intersection of community development, business growth, and urban investment through roles with the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Downtown Reimagined initiative and T. Dallas Smith & Co.’s Knowledge Transfer Program. He currently works at Georgia State University as a Manager of Local and Community Affairs. Zayvion is also the President & CEO of For Atlanta By Atlanta, a nonprofit he co-founded in college to fight poverty by investing in grassroots organizations and community-driven solutions. Grounded in faith and family, Zayvion believes in the power of people working together to make every community a place to live, work, and thrive.

Sally Anne Short is a retired educator now serving as the water conservation manager for the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority. She is committed to raising awareness about the importance of water conservation for all ages. An avid reader and relationship-builder, Sally Anne believes in the power of connection whether it’s with people or the natural resources that sustain us. A native Georgian, Sally Anne enjoys spending time with her husband Shane and daughter Savannah.

Monika Singh is a community driven development professional with a strong background in fashion designing, finance and public service. After moving to the United States in 2013, she built an 11‑year career as a branch manager in the finance industry before joining the City of Porterdale as Downtown Director in 2023. Monika has proudly called Newton County home since 2018 and is committed to supporting local growth and strengthening community connections.

Gabriel Stovall is an award-winning journalist, pastor and business owner that has impacted the Covington/Newton County area with his work for close to 10 years. He serves as senior pastor of James Paschal Baptist Church in Covington which has become a partner in education with Newton High School, and he’s served stints as sports editor and publisher at The Covington News. He also provides pastoral oversight to Macedonia Family Church, a new church plant in Augusta, Georgia. As founder and CEO of Remarkable Media & Publishing, Gabriel is working to create opportunities for students aspiring for careers in journalism, media and communications to get hands-on, real-time industry experience that supplements their classroom instruction. After being born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, he’s called Georgia home for the last 18 years. He and his wife Shawnda enjoy life together with their four children.

Stephanie Young is a graduate of Berry College and the Georgia State University College of Law. Having learned the value of education early in life, she has long witnessed the profound impact that dedicated adults can have on young learners. Deeply invested in her community, Stephanie serves on the boards of the Kiwanis Club of Covington and the Law Library Committee for the Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr. Judicial Center. Additionally, she volunteers as the Mock Trial attorney coach for Eastside High School, serves as the 2026 President of the Newton County Bar Association, and is a member of the Leadership Newton County Class of 2025/2026. Professionally, she is the owner of Stephanie Young Law, LLC, a family law and criminal defense litigation firm proudly based in Covington. Stephanie is married to a local firefighter, and they are the proud parents of three children who attend public school.