Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross

Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, the Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, is a visionary leader that leads by example. As the Superintendent of YCS, Mrs. Zachery-Ross always champions the education of all students with conviction, compassion, and determination. Her expertise as a transformational leader has led to the successful implementation of the District’s MI-Excel Blueprint for Rapid Turnaround, which is responsible for disrupting the educational infrastructure to ensure academic achievement for all students at YCS. Student achievement is at the core of her work, and she leads by being visible and making no excuses about the importance of doing the right work. Dr. Zachery-Ross is an instructional leader who brings a comprehensive background in elementary and secondary instruction, curriculum development, communications, multicultural education, school safety, budget and finance, professional learning communities, group facilitation, team building, grant writing, community relations, and data analysis.

As the former Superintendent of Schools for the Okemos Public Schools and the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System, Dr. Zachery-Ross led many successful initiatives that resulted in positive outcomes. As a result of her intentional and focused work, these districts experienced positive growth in the following areas: development of the district’s profile, reduction in student suspensions and expulsions, increased student and staff attendance, decrease in the dropout rate, and an increase in the graduation rate for high school students. Dr. Zachery-Ross also worked at Van Dyke Public Schools in Warren, where she was the first African American administrator. She served with distinction as an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary School Principal, Middle School Principal, School Psychologist, and Teacher Consultant. In addition, she began her career as an Elementary School Teacher and School Psychologist for the Detroit Public Schools district.

D. Zachery-Ross attended Grand Valley State University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree with a Special Education/Psychology major in 1995. She earned her Masters of Arts in Education Psychology from Wayne State University in 1999, and in 2021 she received an Educational Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. Dr. Zachery-Ross is a prominent speaker, educational consultant, and professional developer facilitating professional learning throughout Michigan.

Dr. Zachery-Ross has served as a Pastor in the Christain Methodist Episcopal Church for 14 years and is currently the Mid-Michigan Alliance President. Mrs. Ross enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family in her spare time.

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