The 2026 Leadership That Works Learning Community will host a panel of leadership experts for our attendees. 

The panel will include all of the following:

John Baugher

Baugher began his career in education in 1991 as a social studies teacher and later served as an assistant principal and principal at multiple high schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in educational administration.

During his career, he contributed to the development and revision of the high school social studies curriculum and served as a Service Learning Fellow with a state department of education, presenting nationally on service-learning programs in schools. While teaching, he also served as a coach for football, lacrosse and tennis and advised several student clubs and organizations.

In 2015, he was recognized as a state High School Principal of the Year. His school leadership team later helped their school earn recognition as a National School of Character and presented at the Schools of Character National Forum.

Selena Florence

Selena Florence has spent over 20 years in public education, working to improve educational outcomes for all students.  She firmly believes in the power of education to transform lives.

Florence began her educational career as a 5th-grade teacher in Jefferson County Schools, Alabama.  In this district, she also served as an Assistant Principal and as a Curriculum Supervisor for 32 elementary schools. 

In 2013, Florence transitioned to a principal position in Birmingham City Schools in Alabama.  Through her leadership, her school was able to move from an “F” to a “C” on the state report card in one year.  While there, Florence also worked as an instructional coordinator for a network of 17 elementary, middle and K-8 schools. 

In her final year in the district, she served as Chief Academic Officer, where she collaborated with school and district leaders and district partners to implement the strategies outlined in the district’s strategic plan.  Florence has most recently served as an area director (principal supervisor) for 16 Jefferson County Schools and assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in Atlanta Public Schools.

Florence received her education from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education, a master’s in educational specialist and doctorate degrees in educational leadership. 

Florence is currently serving as the Chief Academic Officer for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Walter Gonsoulin

Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., is the superintendent of the second-largest school district in Alabama, serving over 34,000 students in 57 different schools.

He has been an educator for over 35 years and has served in various educational capacities, including elementary education, secondary education and school administration.

Gonsoulin has been a consultant for school districts throughout the southern and northeastern regions of the country and has published over 15 refereed journal articles. 

In October 2024, Gonsoulin was named the Alabama State Superintendent of the Year and was named the AASA National Superintendent of the Year in March 2025.

He holds a B.A. in interpersonal counseling and communications, a second B.A. in elementary education, a M.Ed. in administration and supervision of education and completed his doctorate in curriculum and instruction.

Lisa Whitaker

Lisa Whitaker is an educational leader with 27 years of experience in public education and currently serves as the principal of Britt David Magnet Academy, a CTAE Elementary Magnet School in Columbus, Georgia. She is passionate about exposing students to a world of opportunities through career, technical, and agricultural education, beginning at an early age.

Under her leadership, Britt David Magnet Academy provides innovative learning experiences that allow students to explore career pathways through hands-on exposure and meaningful instruction. Through the use of project- and problem-based learning, students engage in real-world challenges that promote collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Whitaker believes these experiences help students connect learning to future possibilities and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors, meeting new people, taking day trips to the beach, exercising and making memories with her family. She looks forward to collaborating and learning with fellow educators at this conference.