Donovan Group to Present at National Conference on Education, Hosted by AASA
The National Conference on Education (NCE), hosted by AASA, brings together future-driven school leaders from across the country to explore the latest insights, strategies, and best practices shaping public education. Designed specifically for superintendents, NCE offers keynote presentations from leading education experts, in-depth roundtable conversations, invaluable networking opportunities, and access to hundreds of experts in the NCE Exhibit Hall.
The Donovan Group is proud to have two of its partners, Dr. Lori M. Mueller and Liam Goldrick, leading panel sessions at the 2026 conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
Leadership Through the Unthinkable: Superintendent Stories of Crisis and Healing
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Moderator:
Dr. Lori M. Mueller, The Donovan Group
Panelists:
- Dr. Tim Hanson, Superintendent, Metropolitan School District of Warren Township (IN)
- Margaret Coates, Superintendent, Owasso Public Schools (OK)
No superintendent is ever fully prepared for the moment a crisis strikes, a student tragedy, act of violence, or deep community rupture. These moments test every facet of leadership, humanity, and resilience. In this powerful panel session, two superintendents share their personal journeys navigating significant crises in their districts.
This session goes beyond the headlines to explore the real-life realities of crisis leadership. Panelists will reflect on defining moments, the systems and people that supported them, and how these experiences transformed their leadership.
Leading Out Loud: How Early-Career Superintendents Shape Communications to Build Community
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Moderator:
Liam Goldrick, The Donovan Group
Panelists:
- Dr. Devin Serrano, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (CA)
- Dr. Yamil Sanchez, Southeast Delco School District (PA)
- Dr. Michael McMahon, Port Washington–Saukville School District (WI)
Building meaningful school, family, and community partnerships requires more than emails, open houses, and surveys; it demands a sustained, strategic approach to communication. In this session, early-career superintendents from three states will share how they have made communication central to their leadership and vision for student success.
The panel will explore how districts establish consistent communication channels, celebrate successes, involve families in decision-making, build trust and transparency, and respond effectively during challenging moments. Panelists will also discuss how they have staffed and supported the communications function, including partnerships with strategic communications firms to expand capacity and elevate their district’s story.