Dr. Bren Elliott is the chief of school improvement and supports for District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). She has been with DCPS for five years and previously served as the district’s chief of equity, the first person to hold the position. In her current role, she leads efforts to see that the district meets goals outlined in its strategic plan. She also oversees a team that works to dramatically increase excellent schools and ensure students—particularly vulnerable students—are in school, are engaged in rigorous learning, and have a joyful educational experience.

Prior to DCPS, Elliott was assistant superintendent for student support services at Wake County Public School System, the largest district in North Carolina, and executive director of student services and character development at Guilford County Schools, also in North Carolina. In addition, she held several positions with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, including teacher; assistant principal; principal; area director; and high-priority schools’ advocate.

Elliott grew up poor on a small farm in North Carolina and sees herself as a testament to the difference that a great education can make for one’s quality of life and impact on the world. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from High Point University; a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee State University; and a bachelor’s from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she was a Distinguished Military Graduate. Elliott is a former officer in the United States Army and completed 10 years of military service.