The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has announced that its Board of Directors has selected Stephanie A. Morris as the organization’s next executive director. Morris will assume the role on August 1, 2026, following a planned leadership transition.
Morris currently serves as chief executive officer of SHAPE America, a national organization representing more than 200,000 health and physical education professionals. She previously served as deputy executive director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, where she led efforts grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and research-based approaches to early learning and child development.
“Stephanie embodies the vision, dedication, and expertise that define NAESP,” said April Knight, president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. “The board is confident that her leadership will reinforce the strong foundation our members depend on while guiding the organization toward new opportunities. Her leadership ensures continuity for our members and partners while positioning NAESP for long-term growth and impact. This is a moment of strength and forward momentum for NAESP.”
Morris said she is honored to lead the organization and committed to supporting principals and student learning.
“I am a passionate and committed advocate for education and believe unequivocally in the essential role principals play in building thriving schools and strong, vibrant communities,” Morris said. “We know that Pre-K through grade 8 students have distinct needs, which is why my leadership will be grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and the science of how children learn, grow, and thrive—and how we must support the leaders who serve them.”
Morris holds an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and Eurasian Studies from Mount Holyoke College.
In a letter of congratulations, Mark Cannizzaro, president of the American Federation of School Administrators, highlighted the long-standing partnership between AFSA and NAESP and their shared commitment to school leadership.
“On behalf of AFSA and the thousands of school leaders we represent across the nation, I extend my sincere congratulations on your appointment as Executive Director of NAESP,” Cannizzaro said. “This is a significant and well-deserved achievement. NAESP has long served as a vital voice for elementary and middle-level principals, and your leadership comes at a critical time for our profession.”
Cannizzaro also emphasized the collaboration between the two organizations.
“AFSA and NAESP share a long and meaningful history of collaboration, grounded in our mutual support for school leaders and the essential work they do every day. We have worked side by side on initiatives such as National Principals Month, timely webinars on issues facing school leaders, and advocacy efforts that elevate the voice of principals and administrators nationwide.
Many thousands of AFSA members are also part of NAESP, and several have served in its highest leadership roles, including Dr. Liza Caraballo-Suarez, NAESP President in 2023–2024, and Ed Consentino, who will serve as NAESP president beginning in 2028.
At AFSA, we deeply value our partnership with NAESP and our shared mission of strengthening school leadership nationwide. We look forward to continued collaboration in advocating for policies that elevate the profession, protect school leaders, and ensure that every student has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Please accept my best wishes for great success in this new role. I look forward to working together in the months and years ahead.”
The leadership transition follows the planned retirement of current NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, who will step down on July 31, 2026, after nine years in the role and four decades in education. Franks will continue serving through a structured transition period.
