National Leaders

• Addison G. Davis

  Partner | Former Superintendent | Business Development Advisor

  Addison G. Davis is a nationally recognized education leader with extensive experience leading large, complex school systems. As Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools and previously Clay County Schools, he drove historic gains in academic performance, graduation rates, and school turnaround while successfully navigating major fiscal and operational challenges. His career spans roles from classroom teacher to district superintendent, and he is widely respected for his leadership during periods of transformation. At AES Advisory Group, Addison supports Florida and national business development and executive leadership coaching.
• Jim Horne

  Partner | Former Florida Education Commissioner & National Education Reform Policy Advocate

  Jim Horne is a nationally known education reform leader who served as Florida’s first appointed Commissioner of Education under Governor Jeb Bush. He was instrumental in shaping education policy, funding reform, and school choice initiatives that became national models. As Commissioner, he oversaw the nation’s first K–20 education system and managed a $20 billion education budget. At AES Advisory Group, Jim leads Florida business development and governmental affairs.
• Todd Lamb

  Partner | Former White House Appointee to U.S. Department of Education

  Todd Lamb brings more than 20 years of experience advising education companies, nonprofits, and public agencies at the district, state, and federal levels. He has deep expertise in assessments, curriculum, and education technology, including leading business development efforts that resulted in a $50 million acquisition of Engrade by McGraw Hill. Todd previously served as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush at the U.S. Department of Education. He leads national business development, strategic coaching, and conference engagement for AES.
• Tony Bennett

  Partner Emeritus | Former Commissioner of Education, Florida | Former Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction

  Tony Bennett is a nationally recognized education reform leader with experience at both the state and district levels. He previously served as Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction and Florida Commissioner of Education, where he led ambitious reform efforts focused on accountability, school choice, and improved student outcomes. Most recently, Tony served as President of School Management at Stride Learning (K12), the nation’s largest provider of virtual K–12 education. At AES Advisory Group, he supports state-level business development and executive coaching initiatives.
• Laura Kersten

  Executive Account Manager

  Laura Kersten has supported education consulting and business development efforts for nearly a decade. She works closely with Jim Horne and the broader AES team to manage client relationships, coordinate projects, and support strategic initiatives. Laura plays a key role in internal operations, external communications, and client engagement. Her organizational expertise helps ensure seamless execution across AES Advisory Group’s partnerships.
• Allyson Johnson

  Executive Account Manager

  Allyson Johnson brings a diverse background spanning education, healthcare, and business performance. She previously served in project and leadership roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Clay County Public Schools, and Parallon Business Performance Group. Her experience across multiple sectors provides a strong foundation in project management, analysis, and service delivery. At AES Advisory Group, Allyson supports business development and client engagement with a focus on impact and community-centered outcomes.
• Dr. Tricia McManus

  Senior Advisor | Former Superintendent Winston-Salem

  Dr. Tricia McManus is an education leader with more than 30 years of experience serving school systems across the country. Most recently, she served as Superintendent in Winston-Salem and previously held leadership roles in Hillsborough County Public Schools. She is widely recognized for her commitment to academic excellence, collaboration, and inclusive leadership. Tricia advises AES clients on systemwide improvement and leadership strategy.
• Dr. Darren Kennedy

  Senior Advisor | National Educational Advocate

  Dr. Darren Kennedy is an educator, author, and instructional leader with more than 20 years of experience in Pre-K–12 education. He has served as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator, with extensive experience supporting both underperforming and high-performing secondary schools. Darren is known for coaching principals and teachers on leadership development and instructional best practices. He helps education leaders build the skills and systems needed for sustained improvement.
• Dr. Terra Greenwell

  Senior Advisor | Former CAO in Jefferson County

  Dr. Terra Greenwell is a respected education leader known for her focus on instructional excellence and equity. As former Chief Academic Officer in Jefferson County, she led the development of districtwide instructional vision and aligned resources to improve student outcomes. Her work emphasizes rigorous, engaging learning experiences for all students. Terra advises AES clients on academic strategy, equity, and system coherence.
• Dr. Brent Jones

  Senior Advisor | Former Superintendent in Seattle Public Schools

  Dr. Brent Jones is an education leader who served as Interim Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. During his tenure, he led key initiatives focused on academic improvement, equity, student support services, and community engagement. He is known for building trust and alignment among educators, staff, and community stakeholders. Brent supports AES clients in leadership development and large-scale system change.
• Alvin Crawford

  Senior Advisor | Founder of EdViceK12

  Alvin Crawford is an education consultant and EdTech leader with deep expertise in sales, marketing, product management, and customer success. He has played a key role in the growth of leading education organizations, helping teams generate more than $750 million in K–12 revenue while working with many of the nation’s largest school districts. Alvin is a recognized thought leader on equity, digital learning, and professional development. He advises AES clients on market strategy, growth, and innovation.