Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent
Grant received his bachelor’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama. He holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama, with an emphasis in school law. Grant has been associated with numerous professional development activities in the area of school law, school law enforcement officer research, and special education law.
He also served as adjunct professor of educational law at the University of West Georgia. Grant has worked with school districts around the country as a consultant and practitioner for school improvement and family engagement. Grant and his wife, Jenn, have two daughters - Lauren and Reese.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Dr. Jami Frost, Deputy Superintendent
Jami Frost is the Deputy Superintendent for Marietta City Schools. She is a highly experienced and dedicated education professional with a passion for student success. With over 29 years of experience in the field of education, she has held various leadership roles, including 13 years as a principal in two elementary schools: Dowell Elementary in Marietta (2005-2010) and Ford Elementary in Acworth (2010-2018). Before serving as principal, she also held the position of assistant principal, instructional lead teacher, and teacher. Most recently, she served as an Assistant Superintendent in the Cobb County School District in Georgia, overseeing the daily operations of 22 schools. Throughout her career, she has ensured each student has the support and resources needed to succeed.
Dr. Frost holds a bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Teaching from Auburn University and a master’s degree in middle grades education, as well as leadership certification from the University of West Georgia. She has a proven track record of implementing successful programs and initiatives to support student learning and growth. Dr. Frost works tirelessly to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. She is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can reach their full potential.
In her free time, Dr. Frost enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, and visiting Lake Martin in Alabama.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Erin I. Franklin, Chief Financial Officer
Erin Franklin is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience in finance, budgeting, and accounting in both education and the private sector.
After serving for 17 years in Cobb County Schools, Erin joined Marietta City Schools as Director of Finance in 2006, and has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2016. She brings invaluable experience to all school district financial functions. Under her leadership, MCS has consistently been awarded the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, which is the highest form of recognition in governmental and financial reporting.
Erin is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Georgia Society of CPA’s, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO).
She resides in Marietta with her husband and four children.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Michele Sayles Harris, Chief of Special Services and Educational Supports
Ms. Sayles Harris holds an Ed.S in Administration and Supervision, with an add-on in Educational Leadership both from the University of West Georgia. She earned her Masters of Arts in Behavior Disorders from Clark Atlanta University and her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Psychology and minor in Exceptional Children from Georgia State University. Michele resides in Mableton with her youngest child, her two older children are in college.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Dr. Marco Holland, Chief Human Resources Officer
Marco Holland is a career educator with over 22 years of experience. During his 16-year tenure as a high school, middle school, and elementary school principal, Holland improved instructional programs, made effective use of data to solve complex problems, established strong community and school partnerships, and implemented processes that improved organizational culture.
In his most recent role, Marco served as the Senior Officer of Secondary School Governance for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, where he was responsible for human capital management along with providing tiered support, direct supervision, and evaluating 10 high schools and four middle schools.
Marco received his Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in Education from the University of West Georgia. He earned his Educational Specialist Degree at Jacksonville State University and is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration at Liberty University. Holland served six years in the United States Army Reserves in the field of medical logistics, in which he managed the procurement and distribution of medical resources and equipment.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Chuck Gardner, Chief Operations Officer
Chuck Gardner is a career educator committed to ensuring that every child receives a high quality education that prepares them for the life they choose. He served as Principal of Riverwood High School, Sandy Springs Middle School, and Frank McClarin High School in Fulton County Schools. Prior to being appointed principal, Chuck held positions as an assistant principal, and teacher including 8 years in the Cobb County School District.
Chuck grew up in the Marietta area and is a graduate of Lassiter High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a master’s degree and Specialist in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University.
Additionally, he is a regular presenter at national conferences, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
Most recently, as Principal of Riverwood High School, Chuck oversaw the construction of a multi-phase new school construction project totaling more than, $100 million. Chuck and his wife, Kelly are excited to join the Marietta City Schools family.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Chris Fiore, Chief Communications Officer
Chris Fiore is an Emmy-nominated communications executive known for his expertise in public-sector communications. As Chief Communications Officer for Marietta City Schools (MCS), Fiore brings over a decade of experience in strategic communication and public relations.
Fiore's career is marked by significant roles, such as Public Information Director for the Louisiana Department of Labor and head of communications for South Lake Tahoe, California. His transformative work ranges from managing million-dollar marketing campaigns to overseeing effective regional responses during crises such as COVID-19.
As a seasoned television news journalist, Fiore reported on major global events, including the war in Afghanistan and hurricanes on the Carolina and Louisiana coasts. His ability to deliver critical information under high-stress situations has earned him respect and recognition in the field.
Now back in Georgia, where he kickstarted his career in the Public Information Office for the City of Savannah, Fiore is committed to elevating MCS's strategic communications and media relations. His dedication extends beyond his professional life, serving in leadership roles for various volunteer organizations, including the American Red Cross.
Fiore's work has earned him a Davey Award, a Top 40 Under 40 recognition, and numerous professional recognitions, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in public communications.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Kim Blass, Chief Impact Officer
Kim Blass brings extensive experience working at the intersection of communications and development to her position as the district’s Chief Impact Officer, where she creates district and community impact through partnerships, programs, and philanthropy.
Kim specializes in crafting strategies that advance an organization’s priorities, recognizing the role that messaging, brand, and overall “touches” have on fundraising success and greater engagement across constituencies. Her background includes consulting for Coxe Curry & Associates, where her education clients included Spelman College, Atlanta Youth Academy, and KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, as well as positions at several leading Atlanta-area institutions, including The Lovett School, the Atlanta History Center, and Northside Hospital. At Lovett, as the chief marketing and communications officer, she sat on the Executive Committee for the School’s $90+ million Our Defining Decade capital campaign and served as a visiting accreditation team member for the Southern Association of Independent Schools and as an active volunteer for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. She also enjoyed working with students as a high school advisor and as an instructor in Lovett's Urban Experience summer school course.
Kim is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in American Studies with a concentration in Southern Studies. She pursued graduate work at Georgia State University in Communications and Journalism. She and her husband, P. Gray Kelly, have two children in Marietta City Schools.
