Dr. Tellauance L. Graham serves as the Chief of Staff for Duncanville ISD, providing critical operational leadership and strategic support to the Superintendent and Executive Leadership Team. He oversees special projects, manages district staff, and leads key initiatives that drive organizational effectiveness. Dr. Graham plays a vital role in addressing complex issues, ensuring clear communication of expectations and timelines, and fostering collaboration across departments. His areas of oversight include student services, campus culture and restorative practices, counseling and guidance, student information (PEIMS), and health services. In addition, he contributes to the development and implementation of district policies that support student success and operational excellence.

With over two decades in education, Dr. Graham has earned certifications in both Louisiana and Texas. His extensive experience spans roles such as Teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director, and Assistant Superintendent. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Tech University. As a teacher in Caddo Parish, he was recognized as the campus Teacher of the Year for his excellence in Biology and Chemistry instruction.

As a Principal, Dr. Graham successfully transformed a historically underperforming school into a top gains institution by revitalizing its culture, implementing Social-Emotional Learning, and enhancing academic rigor. His leadership at Caddo Middle Career School and Huntington High School resulted in increased enrollment, improved technology access, and a positive shift in community perception. He was honored as the district’s Principal of the Year in 2015.

In his prior role as Assistant Superintendent of Administration, Dr. Graham was instrumental in realigning the district through attendance zone adjustments, merging schools, and establishing a district-operated transportation department and enrollment center. He has also served on various district committees and the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Graham is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of students and is known for his passion and dedication to education.

Shonna Pumphrey is responsible for managing Duncanville ISD's $168 million budget, Pumphrey ensures financial planning, compliance, and resource allocation align with district goals. Her background in finance and analytics enhances district efficiency.

Mrs. Pumphrey brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across public education, nonprofit, and corporate organizations. 

Prior to joining Duncanville ISD, she served as Chief Financial Officer at The Family Place and as Chief Financial Officer for Lancaster ISD. She also served as Director of Accounting Services in Dallas ISD, where she supervised a team of more than 30 professionals responsible for core accounting functions.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Pumphrey has provided senior-level oversight of accounting, payroll, grants management, budgeting, audit coordination, internal controls, risk management, and fund stewardship. Her work includes overseeing investment portfolios, strengthening financial systems and processes, and ensuring strong fiscal accountability. She is recognized for leveraging technology, improving operational efficiency, aligning financial practices with organizational priorities, and developing high-performing finance teams.

Mrs. Pumphrey holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Dr. Samuel Nix serves as Chief Academic Officer for Duncanville ISD, where he provides strategic support and feedback to instructional staff on district-wide school improvement initiatives and student services from grades K-12. His role encompasses the development and delivery of instructional programs, professional development, and the integration of instructional technology. Dr. Nix ensures effective management of instructional services through data utilization, collaborative processes, and research-based strategies.

Before his current position, Dr. Nix was the Chief of Schools for secondary campuses within Duncanville ISD. His tenure as a high school principal was marked by significant achievements, including his campus being recognized as one of the Top 32 Urban Schools in America by the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST). Under his leadership, the school consistently ranked in the Top 10 within its peer group in Texas and he was named Principal of the Year for 2015-2016 in Arlington Independent School District.

Dr. Nix’s accolades include the Leadership-in-Education Award from the Texas House of Representatives, the Mary McLeod Bethune Heritage Award from the NAACP in 2010, the Dr. June James NAACP Education Award in 2016, and the Leadership Legacy Award from the Future Schools Network in 2019. He is also the author of *Six Steps to a Strong School Culture: A Leadership Cycle for Educational Success*, which offers practical strategies for cultivating a thriving school environment.

Dr. Nix holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M Commerce University.

As Chief of Operations for Duncanville ISD, Mari Zamora manages the daily operations of auxiliary services including school nutrition, transportation, maintenance, custodial, and warehouse functions, ensuring effective support across campuses and departments. She oversees multiple grants for facilities and safety, plays a key role on the district’s School & Safety Committee, and is actively involved in bond oversight and planning committees, managing various bond projects.

Mrs. Zamora brings over 25 years of experience in education, beginning her career as an elementary bilingual teacher and progressing to roles such as Accelerated Schools Facilitator and Reading First Coach. Joining Duncanville ISD in 2006, she has served as a Bilingual Instructional Specialist, Bilingual/ESL Coordinator, and Director of State & Federal Programs before becoming COO. As the inaugural Director of State & Federal Programs, she developed compliance programs, provided strategic training, and established the family engagement department to strengthen school-home partnerships.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas-Pan American, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University, and an MBA in School Finance and Operations from Concordia University. Mrs. Zamora is a Certified Texas School Business Specialist (CTSBS), recognized by the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO). Her educational contributions have been honored with the Region One Teacher of the Year award and the Spirit of a Champion award from Duncanville ISD in 2016.

Pamela Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer at Duncanville ISD, is responsible for overseeing the district's comprehensive HR functions, including staffing, wage and salary administration, leave management, performance appraisals, employee relations, and benefits.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Brown's career spans roles as a teacher and campus principal at both elementary and middle school levels, including a principalship within Duncanville ISD. Her extensive background also includes positions such as K-12 Math Coordinator, Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources and Administration, and Chief of Student Services and Campus Support.

Ms. Brown's notable achievements include leading a campus transformation in a previous district from needing improvement to earning 15 TEA Distinctions over four years and being named a TASBE Demonstration School. Additionally, she established a successful partnership with the United Way and Communities Foundation of Texas to launch the Dollars for College Program, creating 529 Savings Plans for kindergarten students.

Recognized for her impactful leadership, Ms. Brown is celebrated for driving positive outcomes for students and staff alike. Her collaborative approach and dedication to enhancing performance and efficiency have consistently improved district systems and processes.

Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from Prairie View A&M University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Superintendent Certification from the University of North Texas.

Dr. Winnifred Goodman serves as the Chief of Strategic Initiatives for Duncanville ISD, playing a crucial role in shaping and executing the district’s educational vision. In this capacity, she provides leadership, coaching, and support to campus leaders, creating an environment conducive to excellence for both educators and students.

Dr. Goodman's educational career began in 2000 as a middle school science teacher in Dallas ISD, where her enthusiasm for teaching quickly distinguished her. She progressed to assistant principal in Arlington and then principal in Cedar Hill ISD, where she led successfully for six years. Her subsequent roles in Duncanville ISD included Director of Elementary Education, Director of Schools, and Executive Director of Academics, and Chief of Schools. Her current role as Chief Strategic Initiatives and Student Support consolidates her extensive experience and dedication to educational leadership.

Dr. Goodman holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Teaching, complemented by a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. She also possesses certifications as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development.

Beyond her district responsibilities, Dr. Goodman is actively engaged in the broader educational community. She serves on the Region 20 UIL Music Executive Committee and was named a 2023 Southern Methodist University District Leadership Fellow, highlighting her leadership and influence in education. Dr. Goodman's career is marked by her steadfast commitment to academic excellence and her dedication to nurturing future leaders, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Ana Avila brings a wealth of experience in school communications and public engagement, having led communications efforts in multiple public school districts and municipalities. Most recently, she served as Director of Communications for Highland Park ISD, where she played a key role in the successful passage of a $137.3 million bond and led internal and external communication strategies across the district. Prior to that, she worked as a Marketing Specialist in Garland ISD and held multimedia and communication roles in Edinburg Consolidated ISD and the City of Edinburg.

Ms. Avila holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Known for her creativity, professionalism, and strong media presence, Ms. Avila brings a dynamic and student-centered approach to storytelling.

With over 35 years of law enforcement experience, Max Geron serves as the Chief of Police for Duncanville ISD, overseeing all aspects of the district’s police operations and ensuring the safety of students and staff across 18 campuses.

Before joining Duncanville ISD, Chief Geron dedicated 27 years to the Dallas Police Department, where he held various leadership roles, including major and acting deputy chief, supervising patrol and detective units. His expertise in law enforcement leadership extended to his tenure as Chief of Police in Rockwall, Texas, as well as serving as Health and Public Safety Director at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Most recently, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the Caruth Police Institute at the University of North Texas at Dallas.

A committed advocate for community engagement, Chief Geron has worked to build positive relationships between law enforcement, educators, students, and families. His leadership fosters collaboration and trust, ensuring a secure and supportive learning environment.

Chief Geron holds degrees from Midwestern State University and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He is also an adjunct instructor for the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training at Louisiana State University and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

William Mitchell, Chief Athletic Director, oversees the district’s athletic programs, managing daily operations, setting eligibility standards, and maintaining programs that foster sportsmanship and student development. He is responsible for preparing and administering the athletic budget and ensuring that resources align with the department’s goals.

Mitchell is committed to providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes at Duncanville, aiming to enhance their growth as productive members of society. His goal is to elevate the Duncanville athletic department to national prominence.

Mr. Mitchell joined the Panther Family in 2023 as Assistant Director of Athletics. Through his leadership in UIL compliance, scheduling, transportation, event coordination, and budget oversight, he quickly strengthened and streamlined the district’s athletic operations. He was promoted to Director of Athletics and now serves as Chief Athletic Director, providing executive leadership for all district athletic programs while strengthening systems that support student-athletes and coaches.

Prior to joining Duncanville ISD, Mr. Mitchell served in Dallas ISD as Assistant Director of Athletics, Director of Football Operations, Director of Track & Field, and Head Boys and Girls Track & Field Coach. His experience includes leading championship programs, managing athletic departments, and aligning athletics with district priorities focused on student achievement and wellness.

Mr. Mitchell holds a Master of Education in Education Administration from Texas A&M University–Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff. 

Dr. April Wyatt is a proven turnaround leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, including 15 years as a principal. At Daniels Elementary Academy of Science & Math in Grand Prairie ISD, she improved the campus rating from 59 to 84 in just two years and earned a TEA distinction in Postsecondary Readiness. During her 13 years at Whitt Fine Arts Academy, she raised the campus rating from 59 to 87 in one year following the pandemic, earned six TEA distinctions, and transformed the school into a thriving Fine Arts Academy with strong community partnerships and innovative programming.

She also served as a Master Principal, mentoring fellow principals and supporting district initiatives to strengthen leadership and instructional effectiveness. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Academic Support in Duncanville ISD, where she provided targeted coaching to principals, aligned improvement efforts with TEA accountability measures, and advanced systems to close performance gaps.

Rosa Elva Hernandez brings over 25 years of experience in school leadership, curriculum development, and instructional design. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of School Leadership in Dallas ISD, where she supervised 11 campuses serving over 10,000 students. Under her leadership, all campuses improved student outcomes, five earned Gold Ribbon recognition, and opportunities for Industry-Based Certifications and College, Career, and Military Readiness increased.

Her leadership experience also includes serving as Chief Academic Officer in Lancaster ISD, where she helped achieve a 100% graduation rate and doubled high school credit opportunities in middle school.

As a Director in Houston ISD, she supported 56 campuses and successfully turned around multiple schools previously rated “Improvement Required.” Earlier in her career, as principal of Burbank Middle School, her campus earned an “A” rating with all seven TEA Distinction Designations and received national recognition for closing achievement gaps. In 2012, she was honored as HISD Principal of the Year.