Dr. Lucretia N. Brown, who has served as the chief equity officer for PWCS since November 2021, has accepted the position of chief academic officer for St. Louis Public Schools, effective January 31.  

PWCS has named Dr. Charmelle J. Ackins, who has served as the director of diversity, equity, inclusion & compliance since last July, as the acting chief equity officer. Dr. Ackins has nearly 20 years of educational experience and formerly served as the supervisor of family and community engagement, the director of high school counseling at Woodbridge High School, counselor and assistant principal for summer school programs, and director of middle school counseling at Hampton Middle School.

Dr. Ackins holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in counseling from Hampton University, a certificate in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  

The chief equity officer serves as a member of the executive cabinet and provides innovative leadership and management oversight to promote, champion, and sustain educational equity and an inclusive environment. This position is responsible for developing and implementing short- and long-term equity goals that support the division's mission, vision, and four-year strategic plan.