Mark Penny, a retired superintendent and former president of the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA), has been appointed as the new executive director of the statewide leadership organization. His appointment was announced by Jeremy Tucker, the current president of MASA.
Penny will take over the role from Doug Hayter, a respected education leader who previously served as superintendent in Logan-Rogersville and Branson. Hayter has been a strong advocate for Missouri’s public education system for decades.
A Respected Leader Takes Charge
Jeremy Tucker praised Penny for his leadership qualities and deep understanding of Missouri’s education landscape.
“Dr. Penny is a recognized and respected leader,” said Tucker, who serves as the superintendent of the Liberty district and previously worked in Logan-Rogersville. “He possesses the vision, integrity, and collaborative skills necessary to build capacity in others and move MASA forward as we look to the future.”
Penny brings extensive experience to the role, having served as a superintendent for multiple school districts. He retired in 2024 as the superintendent of the Lincoln County district, a position he held since 2011. Before that, he served as the superintendent of the Moberly district and held roles as assistant superintendent and high school principal.
His appointment has been met with widespread support from fellow educators and administrators.
“I want to congratulate Dr. Penny on his appointment,” said Doug Hayter in a Facebook post. “He is a respected colleague and school leader. We’ll be working together for a smooth and informative transition on July 1.”
A Legacy of Leadership in Education
Penny has a long history of contributing to Missouri’s education system. He previously served as chair of the governing board for the University of Missouri Partnership for Education Renewal. Additionally, he has worked as a coach and mentor for many superintendents through MASA, helping to develop future education leaders.
With MASA representing more than 900 school superintendents and central office administrators, Penny’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Missouri’s public education.
Goals and Vision for MASA’s Future
As the executive director of MASA, Penny will take on several key responsibilities, including:
- Developing education leaders across the state
- Strengthening membership engagement and ensuring financial stability
- Building partnerships and alliances to support public education
- Implementing MASA’s long-term strategy to enhance school administration
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Penny stated,
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of MASA. I look forward to working with our members and partners to continue advancing the quality of education in Missouri’s public schools. Together, we can build on our successes and address the challenges facing our schools.”
A New Chapter for MASA
Penny’s appointment marks an important transition for MASA as it continues to support school administrators and advocate for high-quality public education. With his vast experience, commitment to leadership development, and strategic vision, Penny is expected to bring positive changes to Missouri’s education system.
As he steps into this new role, educators, policymakers, and school administrators will be looking forward to the initiatives and strategies that he will implement to strengthen Missouri’s school system.
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