Superintendent’s Cabinet

The Superintendent’s Cabinet is composed of district leaders who assist the Superintendent in cultivating a school system in which all students are supported in their pursuit of success and achievement.

Karalee Turner-Little, Ph.D. | Deputy Superintendent

As a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, Dr. Turner-Little began her teaching career following in the footsteps of her educator parents and was an early achiever of National Board Certification. Her 30+ year career trajectory has included teaching middle school which she describes as “our last best chance” to reach our students; providing professional learning experiences that motivate school-based and central office leaders to strengthen their growth mindsets; staying home with her two children who have been her greatest teachers; and supporting four superintendents. She values health and well-being, bringing out the best in others, removing barriers, humor, and do-overs.

Cornell Brown | Chief Operating Officer

Always striving to develop and sustain positive personal and professional relationships, Mr. Brown’s career has spanned more than 30 years in architecture, school design and construction, and school system operations. Fueled by a passion for public education, he has spent his career developing and implementing business operations and customer service practices to ensure the delivery of effective, efficient, and quality service in support of students, employees, and the greater community.

Jennifer Robinson | Chief Schools Officer

A lifelong and passionate educator, Ms. Robinson prioritizes building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a supportive learning environment. She believes that collaboration is key to fostering a sense of community and enhancing the educational opportunities for each student. Her commitment to open communication and teamwork helps ensure that every student feels valued and will maximize their potential.

Terri Savage, Ed.D. | Chief Academic Officer

The first in her family to complete college, Dr. Savage’s persistent drive to unlock access and opportunity for all students with diverse strengths and needs is inspired by her childhood story of overcoming adversity. Serving students, families, and staff across four Maryland counties, Dr. Savage is most proud of her work as a special educator, staff development specialist, curriculum supervisor, instructional facilitator, and executive director. Her values are expressed through respecting others, cultivating relationships, and fostering communication.

Brian Hull | Chief Financial Officer

A lifelong educator committed to the success of every student, Mr. Hull believes in the power of public education to create a more equitable and prosperous community that empowers young people to reach their dreams. He has worked as a classroom teacher, a district leader, and state administrator during his nearly 20 years in education. As the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Hull focuses on ensuring every teacher has the tools they need to be successful, so every student in every classroom has access to an exceptional education.

Caroline Walker, Ph.D. | Chief Equity and Innovation Officer

A first-generation Cuban American, HCPSS parent, and community member Dr. Walker works to create opportunities and ensure access so every student can reach their goals. She is passionate about the system’s equitable strategic planning work and sees tremendous opportunity for data-informed growth in the system’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work, college and career development, teacher, paraeducator, and leadership development, and cultivating even stronger strategic partnerships on behalf of students.

J. Stephen Cowles | General Counsel

The son of a school psychologist and Board of Education member, Mr. Cowles has spent three decades as an attorney focused on the needs of students and their families within public education systems. Throughout his career, he has provided training to attorneys and school system staff to ensure all students, particularly those with disabilities, receive appropriate and legally necessary services.

T. Michael Carson, PHR, SHRM-CP | Human Resources Executive Officer

The first in his family to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree, Mr. Carson values a results-oriented approach to progressive and strategic human resources practices. Putting people first, he has experience designing and developing HR processes, programs, and systems that drive organizational development and optimize the utilization of human capital. Mr. Carson is constantly striving to learn new skills and embrace new challenges in all aspects of his professional and personal life.

Brian Bassett | Director of Communications and Engagement

The son of an educator and television commentator, and an HCPSS alumni, Mr. Bassett has committed his career to working alongside our schools and staff to serve the students and families of Howard County as they navigate the public education experience. He values relationship building through effective communication to create and maintain lasting partnerships with all stakeholders. Mr. Bassett believes that trust and engagement is established through dialog that is empathetic, respectful, and maintains mutual purpose.