NASHVILLE, TN, January 31, 2022 – PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership), the boots-on-the-ground community resource recruiter to Metro Nashville Public Schools, is proud to announce the confirmation of Robert Wallace, Ed.D., as COO.

This is an exciting time in PENCIL’s growth and development as the organization approaches its milestone 40th anniversary. In this newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Wallace will oversee the daily operations of all aspects of PENCIL’s business and the work of top leadership. In particular, he will guide PENCIL’s budgeting and finance management, human resources, DE&I work, and ensure meaningful engagement of PENCIL’s Board of Directors. He is a seasoned leader and former classroom teacher, having most recently served as Director of Operations at KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University; Master of Education from Lipscomb University; Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University; and is an alumnus of MNPS.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Wallace bring his deep operations experience and his commitment to serving the MNPS community to our team,” said Angie Adams, PENCIL’s President & CEO.  “I’m excited to provide him with rich opportunities to continue in his service to Metro students and families through his leadership at PENCIL.”

Robert’s flexibility and adaptability mesh well with PENCIL as the organization continues to evolve and shift program delivery to meet the needs of MNPS. His hands-on operations experience is a great fit for what PENCIL needs in a COO right now.

Dr. Wallace shared, “Joining PENCIL is truly a dream come true. As a former student and teacher of MNPS, I know first-hand the impact of strong partnerships and community resources. My hope for Nashville is that no student or teacher goes without the materials they need to be successful. As COO, I am deeply committed to ensuring that we are building a community where students have access, opportunity, and resources to lead purposeful and successful lives.”   

Dr. Wallace’s infectious enthusiasm is matched only by his deep, heartfelt commitment to supporting Metro students. He can be reached at RWallace@PENCIL615.org or (615) 972-3531.

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About PENCIL
Founded in 1982 by a collective of Nashville business leaders, PENCIL (www.pencilforschools.org) links community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life. Our work is guided by the needs of MNPS, is student-centric, and is achieved through partnerships and tangible engagements. PENCIL envisions a world where all students have equitable access to opportunities and resources.