ROBESON COUNTY — The Public Schools of Robeson County (PSRC) is proud to announce that three Central Office leaders will participate in the 2025–2026 Executive Leadership Series, hosted by the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, N.C.
Representing PSRC in the professional development series are: Director of Personnel
Nakeia McKiver, Director of Licensure Dr. Michael Riles and Pre-K Supervisor Jamie Flanagan.
The series, Leading with Clarity, Strategy, and Influence: Essentials for New Central Office Leaders, is led by Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., former Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools and the 2024 North Carolina A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year.
Drawing from more than 34 years of experience in public education, Dr. Connelly will lead a workshop series designed to equip participants with practical strategies for navigating complex systems, fostering collaboration, and strengthening leadership impact.
The sessions will focus on key areas of district leadership, including navigating micropolitical and macropolitical dynamics, communicating and working effectively with Board of Education members, taking a systemic view of decision-making across schools, and building interdepartmental collaboration and communication.
Workshops will be held at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, N.C., from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the following dates: October 1, 2025; October 22, 2025; January 14, 2026; February 25, 2026; and March 25, 2026.
“This opportunity will strengthen the skills of our new district leaders as they continue to support students, staff, and schools across Robeson County,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “We are proud to see them represent PSRC in such a high-level leadership development program.”
About Dr. Marvin Connelly
Dr. Connelly is a veteran educator, military leader, and pastor who has served as superintendent of Cumberland County Schools since 2018, overseeing 86 schools and more than 50,000 students. His career spans service as a teacher, principal, district leader in Wake County, and superintendent in Cumberland County. He has been recognized with numerous awards for leadership, including North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.