Jackson Public Schools has appointed Dr. Tommy Nalls, Jr. as the district’s Executive Director of Talent Management and Development.

In his new role, Dr. Nalls will lead districtwide efforts to recruit, develop, support, and retain exceptional employees while advancing strategic workforce initiatives that align with the district’s commitment to student achievement and organizational excellence. His work will focus on building sustainable talent pipelines, enhancing professional learning opportunities, supporting leadership development, and creating systems that ensure Jackson Public Schools remains a destination district for talented educators and staff.

Dr. Nalls brings a proven record of innovation, collaboration, and results in educator recruitment, development, certification, and retention. Most recently serving as Director of Recruitment for Jackson Public Schools, he led many of the district’s most impactful workforce initiatives designed to attract, develop, and retain highly effective educators.

Throughout his tenure with Jackson Public Schools, Dr. Nalls has played a key role in strengthening educator pipelines and addressing critical staffing needs across the district. He has established strategic partnerships with universities, nonprofit organizations, and national education partners to create innovative pathways into the teaching profession and support educator success. His leadership has contributed to the development of programs that expand access to teacher preparation, mentoring, certification support, and professional growth opportunities.

A native of Greenville, Mississippi, Dr. Nalls earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tougaloo College and began his educational career as an alternate-route Biology teacher with Jackson Public Schools. Inspired by the transformative power of education, he continued his academic journey by earning both a Master of Education and an Educational Specialist degree from Mississippi College before completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Nalls founded and helped launch several signature initiatives, including the TEACH JPS Teacher Residency Program, the JPS International Teacher Collective (JITC), and the JPS Men of IMPACT Program. Through these initiatives and partnerships with organizations such as the National Center for Teacher Residencies and the Mississippi First Community of Practice, he has secured resources and opportunities that strengthen educator recruitment, development, and retention across the district.

Dr. Nalls is the recipient of the 2024–2025 Jackson Public Schools District Leader of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence in public education. He is also a member of the Change Collective 2024 Winter Cohort, an honor received for his advocacy and support of aspiring educators, international educators, and educators of color.