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Christopher Farkas
Deputy Superintendent of OperationsBiography
Christopher “Chris” Farkas has been with Hillsborough County Public Schools since 1999, starting as an Alternative Education/Drop Out Prevention Teacher. Over the years, he has taken on various roles including Coordinator of Youth Services and Assistant Principal.
He became Principal of Tampa Bay Technical High School in 2005, where under his leadership, the school achieved its first “A” grade from the state of Florida. Later, he served as Principal at Freedom High School, overseeing its growth and improvement in both academic performance and school culture.
In subsequent years, Farkas held positions such as Area Leadership Director and Chief Facilities Officer/Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he managed multiple departments including Maintenance, Transportation, Student Nutrition Services, and Construction.
Farkas holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University. He has received recognition for his contributions, including the Distinguished Services Award from the Council of Great City Schools in 2017.
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Farkas brings extensive experience and expertise to his current role as Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Deputy Superintendent of Operations, a position he has held since July 2018.
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Shaylia McRae
Deputy Superintendent of Academics and TransformationBiography
Shaylia McRae has over 25 years of experience in public education and currently holds the position of Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Transformation at Hillsborough County Public Schools. Her role encompasses the well-being of more than 224,000 students, representing racially and economically diverse backgrounds.
Before assuming this role, McRae served as the Chief of Transformation Network, where her efforts resulted in significant improvements. Under her leadership, 41 out of 46 schools achieved higher grades, and the Network successfully reduced the number of D and F schools in Hillsborough County by 83% between 2020 and 2022.
Throughout her career, McRae has been a tireless advocate for equitable access to high-quality instruction for all students. She has championed bold and innovative approaches, fostering collaborative school cultures, promoting strong family engagement, and forging community partnerships.
As the daughter and granddaughter of educators, McRae carries forward a legacy of educational service spanning over a century within the Tampa Bay Community. Notable initiatives she has been involved in include the Hillsborough Principal Pipeline, a program that prepares diverse and forward-thinking school leaders, and the Student Success Program, which provides customized support to over 6,600 middle and high school students identified as “at-risk” by national indicators.
Locally and nationally recognized as a rising star in Turnaround Education, McRae passionately believes that every child can thrive when placed in the right learning environment.
She is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where she received a B.A. in Business Education and an EdS in Turnaround School Leadership. She also holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
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Dr. Marie Whelan
Chief of StaffBiography
Dr. Marie Whelan has served as an educator and leader in Hillsborough County Public Schools since December 1994 when she started her career as an educator of students with unique abilities. She has served students as an intervention specialist, high school assistant principal and principal, and district administrator. In July 2023, she was appointed as the Chief of Staff under Superintendent Van Ayres. Prior to this she served on the Superintendent’s Cabinet as the Chief Human Capital Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer.
As the largest employer in Hillsborough County, Dr. Whelan oversaw all phases of the employee experience from recruitment to retirement. Under her leadership, Hillsborough County Public Schools was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the nation’s best employers for new graduates (2018 & 2019). In 2020, the district was recognized as part of Forbes’ annual list of Best Employers for Diversity.
For the past eight years she has served as a volunteer mentor with the Take Stock in Children program facilitated through the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Dr. Whelan is a passionate advocate for students and their access and opportunity to post-secondary learning. She also serves as a board member to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and is a member of Leadership Tampa Class of 2024 through the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Whelan is a proud graduate of Hillsborough County Public Schools, the University of South Florida, and National Louis University obtaining her doctorate in education in April 2016. She is honored and humbled to serve the learners, families, and employees of this outstanding community.
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Dr. Rick Grayes
Chief of SchoolsDr. Rick Grayes was recently named Chief of Schools after serving as the Region Superintendent in the Transformation Network within Hillsborough County Public Schools. Grayes is a dedicated servant leader with a distinguished track record of raising student achievement in challenging environments. He has been instrumental in transforming low-performing schools.
Throughout his career, Dr. Grayes has held various roles including Teacher, Principal, Principal Coach, and Region Superintendent. His experience spans supervising principals at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. As a Region Superintendent, he strategically led 14 site-based principals, focusing on data-driven instruction, professional development, and fostering strong school cultures.
Under his leadership, there was a significant increase in academic achievement, with a 150% rise in schools earning a letter grade of C or higher. His strategic initiatives led to substantial improvements in proficiency in math, ELA, and science across his cohort of schools.
Committed to community engagement, Dr. Grayes co-founded the Hillsborough County Public School's Community Leadership Academy and actively volunteers with family and community engagement initiatives.
Dr. Grayes has received numerous honors and awards, including acceptance into the Men of Color (MCEL) National Leadership Institute, the Hillsborough Association of Black School Educators Administrator of the Year, and the establishment of successful mentoring and support programs for students.
Dr. Grayes holds an Ed.D. in Educational Innovation from the University of South Florida, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida.
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Colleen Faucett
Chief Academic OfficerBiography
Colleen Faucett has been a part of the Hillsborough County Public School district for more than 30 years, serving in various capacities. She started as an elementary teacher in Polk County and then moved on to teach at Northwest Elementary and Shaw Elementary in Hillsborough County. This helped her gain insights into creating a supportive and inclusive environment. She then became the Assistant Principal at Walden Lake Elementary where she honed her leadership skills and enhanced the learning experience. Colleen went on to serve as the Principal at Roosevelt Elementary and Wilson Middle School, where she focused on academic excellence, student empowerment, and staff collaboration.
Colleen's passion for leadership led her to different district-level roles. She has served as the Director of Administration, Executive Director of High School Programs, and Region Superintendent for Middle Schools. She is currently the Chief Academic Officer. Throughout her professional journey, one of the core themes that has guided Colleen has been her unwavering commitment to supporting students, teachers, principals, and schools.
"I firmly believe that we can overcome any obstacle and create a learning environment that fosters growth, inspiration, and success for all by working together," says Colleen.
Colleen loves working for Hillsborough County Public Schools because of the team of people working together daily! She graduated from Florida State and NOVA Southeastern universities. Colleen is married to Bill Faucett, Campaign Director at the Tampa Museum of Art. They have two grown sons, Billy and Adam.
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Tracye Brown
Chief of Student Support and Federal ProgramsBiography
Tracye Brown has been dedicated educator with Hillsborough County Public Schools for over 30 years. A native Floridian and daughter of two educators, she began her journey as a classroom teacher in Volusia County, Florida, before moving to Hillsborough County, where she taught third grade. She has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Most notable is her ten years as a turnaround principal in three of Hillsborough County’s highest needs schools. Her love of education and desire to positively impact the lives of children and adults have been a driving force in her commitment to education.
Mrs. Brown’s extensive experience in Hillsborough County Public Schools has allowed her to serve as the Director of Communication and Project Management for Bill and Melinda Gates, Empowering Effective Teachers Initiative. She has also served as the Project Director of the Race to the Top Grant, where she managed a $26 million budget that addressed expanding STEM, technology for improved instruction and assessment, and use of data to improve instruction and human capital decisions.
Mrs. Brown served as the General Director of Federal Programs overseeing all Title I programs with a budget of over $60 million, used to enhance academic programs for high needs students.
She is currently serving as the Chief of Student Support and Federal Programs. In this role, she oversees Early Childhood Education, where she has successfully led the development and launch of “Bold Beginnings”, an Early Childhood Education initiative designed to provide all Hillsborough County students with the opportunity to receive a high quality, inclusive early learning education. She also oversees Exceptional Student Education, Grants and Research, Federal Programs, Student Services, Compliance, Community Schools, and Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
Mrs. Brown received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Education degree from the University of South Florida.
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Dr. Charmion Patton
Chief of Human ResourcesBiography
Dr. Charmion Patton is a seasoned HR leader with over 15 years of experience across diverse sectors, specializing in Talent Acquisition, HRIS Management, Labor Relations Management, and Benefits. She has a proven track record of orchestrating turnarounds, leading reorganizations, and driving ramp-ups to enhance organizational efficiencies within HR functions.
Notably, her expertise in talent acquisition encompasses the development of a robust recruitment methodology, ensuring the timely filling of critical roles, delivering exceptional candidate experiences, and pioneering innovative strategies to tackle post-pandemic hiring challenges.
In the realm of HRIS, she has collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement multiple systems aimed at streamlining data processes and optimizing employee data management. Proficient in SAP, she has seamlessly integrated it with ATS platforms to oversee the entire employee lifecycle.
Dr. Patton's extensive experience in managing unions and labor relations includes navigating complex labor issues, facilitating contract negotiations, and effectively addressing grievances for sustainable resolutions.
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Owen Young
Chief of Student, Family, and Community EngagementBiography
Owen Young, an experienced educator with over 30 years in the field, believes in fostering compassion, intentionality, high expectations, and urgency to prepare students for life. As Chief of Student, Family, and Community Engagement, he aims to create a collaborative culture ensuring access and opportunity for all.
Young's career has spanned roles from counselor to Region Superintendent, where he supervised 29 school sites and led a team that positively impacted school culture, implemented data-driven instruction, and, most importantly, student success. Recognized for his leadership and community impact, Young has received awards like the TOBA Distinguished Ike Tribble Civic Leadership Award and the NAACP Marva Collins Unsung Hero Award. Beyond education, he's contributed to legislative initiatives and serves on various boards, including the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Neighborhood Association.
Mr. Young holds a Minor degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, and a Master of Science degree in Education, earned at the prestigious Howard University in Washington, DC. He also studied at Trinity University in Washington, DC, to achieve Educational Leadership certification.
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Marcos Murillo
Chief of Innovation and Strategic PlanningBiography
Marcos Murillo, Chief of Innovation and Strategic Planning for Hillsborough County Public Schools, has a robust 25-year tenure dedicated to enriching education. His academic roots began in Puerto Rico at Ana G. Mendez University, setting the stage for a career marked by growth and leadership in education.
Marcos has been with Hillsborough County Public Schools for 24 years, where his journey began as a substitute teacher, laying the groundwork for a deep understanding of classroom dynamics and student needs. This foundational experience led him to a full-time teacher position, where he honed his skills in curriculum development and student engagement.
Marcos’ leadership abilities quickly propelled him into administrative roles, serving as an Assistant Principal and then as a Principal for a total of ten years. These positions allowed him to shape school culture, implement effective policies, and guide teachers toward excellence.
Marcos' impact expanded significantly as he took on the role of Area/Regional Superintendent, a capacity in which he served for nine years. In this role, he oversaw multiple schools, ensuring that they met the standards required of quality education and contributed positively to their communities.
His dedication to community and student success reflects the core of Marcos' educational philosophy: to foster environments where all students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. His journey is a testament to his passion for education and his enduring impact on students and the educational community at large.
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Dr. Thomas Weeks
Chief of Information TechnologyBiography
Tom Weeks, Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Chief of Information Technology, has over 35 years of experience in Information Technology, spanning a diverse array of leadership roles across Healthcare, Retail, and Engineering sectors, and education.
His career in education spans 25 years, dedicating the last 7.5 years to serving in Hillsborough County Public Schools.
His journey in IT began as a programmer, where he was instrumental in designing computer-based training courses for a community college during the early days of Apple Computer and original Macintosh. This initial experience paved the way for his ascent to senior-most technology executive positions, where he has provided strategic and operational leadership to numerous organizations.
For Tom, the greatest reward comes from supporting students in their educational journeys, underpinned by the wonderful community he works with. This dedication to educational excellence and student success is the driving force behind his commitment to his work every day.
Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences & Technology at Penn State University, followed by a Master of Science in Education School Business Leadership and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, specializing in Educational Technology, both from Wilkes University.
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Tanya Arja
Chief of CommunicationsBiography
Tanya Arja brings over two decades of expertise in communications, specializing in media outreach, community engagement, marketing, and strategic planning. Over the past decade, she has spearheaded impactful multimedia communication strategies as the head of Hillsborough County Public Schools Communications Office, driving internal and external marketing and public relations campaigns.
During her tenure, Ms. Arja played a pivotal role in securing the passage of the district's historic $1.3 billion Education Referendum and organized critical security training for district leaders on active shooter response. She has cultivated strong relationships with local media, fostering transparency and effective communication channels.
Prior to joining Hillsborough County Public Schools, Ms. Arja earned acclaim as a trusted local news figure, covering significant topics such as education, politics, community affairs, and human-interest stories. A proud alumna of Hillsborough County Public Schools and the University of South Florida with a degree in Mass Communications, she remains committed to serving her community and shaping impactful narratives.
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Kristin Davis
Assistant Superintendent of Government AffairsBiography
Kristin Davis, an accomplished professional with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science from Florida State University, brings over two decades of experience to her role as Assistant Superintendent of Government Affairs for Hillsborough County Public Schools. Since joining the school district in 2004, Kristin has demonstrated her dedication and expertise through various roles within the district including communications and government affairs.
In her current capacity, Kristin serves as a steadfast advocate for the district's priorities, representing the School Board and Superintendent at local, state, and federal levels. She adeptly navigates legislative and policy landscapes, serving as the district's liaison for impactful decision-making. Additionally, Kristin is instrumental in assisting elected officials with constituent issues related to the school district, showcasing her commitment to effective governance.
With a strong foundation in public service, Kristin's professional journey began with notable internships in Washington, DC, at C-SPAN and the U.S. House of Representatives. Subsequently, she honed her skills in advocacy and government relations while working for a prominent lobbying firm in Tallahassee.
Originally from Daytona Beach, Kristin, along with her husband Jack, resides in St. Petersburg.