Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson today announced the appointments of key members of his executive leadership team, marking an important milestone as he begins his tenure leading the district. Approved by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, the appointments reflect Dr. Dawson's commitment to building on the district's strong foundation while accelerating progress for students, families, and staff.
Joining the executive leadership team are Noell West as Chief of Staff, Tina Hike-Hubbard as Chief of Communications, Engagement and Enrollment, and Brittany Blackwell as Special Assistant to the CEO.
In a letter to the City Schools community, Dr. Dawson outlined his vision for the district, highlighted the experience each leader brings to their role, and reaffirmed his commitment to listening, learning, and partnering with the community during his first 100 days.
The following is Dr. Dawson's letter to the City Schools community.
Dear City Schools community,
As I begin my tenure as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, I am pleased to announce the appointment of key members of my leadership team. Approved by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, these appointments reflect our shared commitment to build upon the strong foundation of City Schools while accelerating progress forward. Joining the executive team are Chief of Staff Noell West, Chief of Communications, Engagement and Enrollment Tina Hike-Hubbard, and Special Assistant to the CEO Brittany Blackwell.
Our vision is clear: beginning in the earliest grades, every student will be on a pathway to success beyond City Schools—prepared for enrollment, enlistment, employment, or entrepreneurship, and equipped to thrive. I am confident that this exceptional leadership team will help turn that vision into reality by driving excellence, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships across our schools and throughout the Baltimore community. Together, we will ensure every student is career ready, future ready, and world ready.
| Chief of Staff – Noell West Noell West will serve as Chief of Staff, overseeing government affairs and continuous improvement while also supporting the CEO with advancing district's priorities across all district offices and schools ensuring implementation of strategic initiatives. Ms. West previously served as Assistant Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services, where she led youth strategy and engagement initiatives to ensure Baltimore’s youth are safe, supported, and celebrated. With more than 15 years of experience in youth engagement, she has launched major annual youth-led events, including the LeadHership Summit, and she also authored and passed the current Baltimore City Youth Commission Bill in 2024. She previously served Baltimore City Public Schools as Director of Student and School Support, Manager of School Operations, and as a teacher. Additionally, she has served as a middle school principal in New Orleans, LA. |
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| Chief of Communications, Enrollment and Engagement – Tina Hike-Hubbard Tina Hike-Hubbard will serve as Chief of Communications, Engagement and Enrollment, with an expansion of her current role to include all external affairs and philanthropic partnerships. She will also lead the organization’s renewed focus on customer service, serving as a champion for families and staff and expanding partnership opportunities. For over 30 years, Chief Hike-Hubbard has dedicated her professional life to supporting young people and the community through public education. Her service has included time as a classroom teacher, nonprofit leader, community advocate, Baltimore City Public Schools Board member and, later, a member of the CEO’s leadership cabinet. She is also the parent of two City Schools students. |
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| Special Assistant – Brittany Blackwell Brittany Blackwell will serve as Special Assistant to the CEO and will translate priorities into action across the organization through the role of strategic advisor and project manager. Ms. Blackwell will coordinate cross-functional initiatives and manage executive projects that advance City Schools’ strategic goals. Ms. Blackwell served as the Aerospace Engineering Educator & STEM Program Lead for Alexandria (Virginia) Public Schools. Prior to this role, she worked for 15 years as an aerospace engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in technical programs, integration and testing, STEM engagement, and high-visibility public initiatives. |
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Together, this leadership team will help guide our work as we continue accelerating student achievement, strengthening literacy and mathematics instruction, expanding college and career readiness opportunities, and delivering excellent customer service to every family and community partner we serve. As part of that effort, we are preparing to pilot Onflow, a new districtwide customer service platform designed to strengthen engagement with students, families, staff, and community members. In support of Board Priority IV: Engaging Stakeholders, Onflow will provide a centralized, user-friendly platform for submitting questions, concerns, and feedback, ensuring inquiries are routed efficiently and resolved in a timely, comprehensive manner. This new tool also offers multilingual translation capabilities, making communication more accessible for multilingual learners and their families, thereby strengthening accessibility and engagement for all students, families, and community members.
As part of the first 100 days, I will begin a listening tour later this month to learn and be present in schools and communities across the city. My work will unfold in three stages: Connect, Discover, and Deliver. Every conversation will help shape our shared future. Learn more about my entry plan here, which includes a platform to provide direct input.
Expect additional and regular updates as we poise for the opening of schools and our journey together. I am honored to serve alongside an exceptional team of dedicated educators and staff in support of our amazing City Schools students and their families. I look forward to our work ahead.
Sincerely,
Jermaine
Dr. Jermaine Dawson
Chief Executive Officer
Baltimore City Public Schools