Dr. Lindsay Whitley, the Associate Superintendent of Communications and Community Engagement, joined Cumberland County Schools in 2018. He serves as the chief communication strategist for the school system. Dr. Whitley is responsible for overseeing external and internal communications generated on behalf of the school system in the areas of public and media relations, internal and external communications, marketing, customer service, community engagement, print and graphic design, video production, website management, and social media. Prior to working for CCS, Dr. Whitley served for five years as the director of Guilford Parent Academy (GPA) for Guilford County Schools. GPA provides information and training on a variety of topics for parents, grandparents and family members caring for children and young people in Guilford County. Through innovative approaches and best practices, Dr. Whitley led the effort to increase family engagement in Guilford County Schools. A national award-winning public relations practitioner, Dr. Whitley has presented at conferences and seminars across the country, sharing information on effective family and community engagement, communications, and public relations practices. He has also served as the author and co-author of several journal articles on family and community engagement. Dr. Whitley holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication Studies and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He also received his doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University in High Point, NC.