Meet The Team
Emily LilleyVice President of External Affairs
Tommiea JacksonCommunication Manager
Joshua PerkinsDirector of Quality Schools
Carra PowellDirector of Policy and Advocacy
Kim WestOffice Coordinator and Special Assistant to the CEO
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Emily Lilley
Vice President of External AffairsEmily Lilley is a proud representative of East Tennessee, and believes all students should have the opportunity to attend an excellent school, no matter where they live. As Vice President of External Affairs, Emily leads TCSC’s communication and external partnership efforts, managing the team’s work in stakeholder and supporter engagement, development, and communications. Prior to this role, Emily served as TCSC’s Director of Government Relations, leading the organization’s efforts to develop and advocate for policies supporting a public charter school sector focused on quality. In her seven years with TCSC, the policy team saw wins including the defeat of all negative legislation regarding public charter schools, the establishment of a state facilities grant fund for public charter schools, establishment of a statewide appellate charter school authorizer, and strengthening of policies that ensure public charter schools are held accountable equitably. Emily’s ongoing work at TCSC serves to continue to increase understanding about public charter schools in Tennessee and build productive relationships with stakeholders, supporters, and policy makers across the state.
After graduating with a teaching degree, Emily taught in Atlanta, followed by several years working as an editor in her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. A 2012 stint as the communications director for a successful congressional re-election campaign in Georgia led her to return to Tennessee to work in education policy and advocacy.
Emily has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History from Auburn University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading and sharing new fiction @thebookandcover, trying new cocktail recipes, and playing with her miniature dachshund, Bertram.
Tommiea Jackson
Communication ManagerTommiea Jackson a native of Marks, Miss., is the communication manager for the Tennessee Charter School Center.
Tommiea offers a strong set of professional skills in corporate communication, media relations, journalism, research, event planning, team management and photography. Jackson served as a newspaper reporter in Clarksdale, Miss. and Monroe, La. where she covered government, health and technology before joining the public relations team at Jackson State University and later at her alma mater, Rust College. Most recently, Tommiea worked in communication, marketing and events at Nicholson School of Communication and Media at the University of Central Florida. Tommiea has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree in English from Rust College. She earned accreditation in public relations in 2018.
Joshua Perkins
Director of Quality SchoolsJoshua Perkins is no stranger in the education sector. As the Director of Quality Schools, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Tennessee Charter School Center.
Joshua taught special education for six years before expanding his career as the founding Dean of Scholars for Leadership Preparatory Charter School. As a dean, Joshua created and implemented a behavior program, facilitated professional development, and supported teachers with creating and executing behavior plans to improve academic performance. Knowing no limits, Joshua began a new journey as the Advisor of Academic Quality and Accountability in the Office of Charter Schools (OCS) with the Shelby County School District. In this role, he managed 56 charter schools and ensured that each school was in compliance and up-to-date with statute and policy. Joshua oversaw the annual site visit in which every school participated to remain in compliance with SCS Board Policy and state statute regarding progression towards goals.
Joshua received his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in Education from Cambridge College.
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Carra Powell
Director of Policy and AdvocacyCarra Powell is a leading advocacy, policy and community grassroots organizer. Her work has influenced the school choice conversation at the national, state and local level. Her nearly 20 year education career has honed her skills and expanded her knowledge base in preparation for the role of Director of Policy and Advocacy at Tennessee Charter School Center.
Most recently, Carra worked as the Director of Enrollment and Community Engagement to found and recruit families for Compass Community Schools, a six school charter network in Memphis, TN. Carra has also worked with the American Federation for Children, Jubilee Catholic Schools, and the Black Alliance for Educational Options.
Carra believes that all children should have access to a high quality education regardless of their zip code. She has dedicated her professional career to advancing choice-friendly policies that empower children and parents. Beyond her professional roles, Carra enjoys spending time with her three children, leading parenting classes, volunteering at her church, and playing with her two dogs.
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Kim West
Office Coordinator and Special Assistant to the CEOKim West is the Office Coordinator and Special Assistant to the CEO.Prior to joining the center, she was the Associate Program Manager forthe Vanderbilt Medical Center Operations Improvement Department whereshe was in charge of providing administrative support for a staff of19 and brings over a decade of office coordination and administrativesupport.
She earned a B.A. from Trevecca Nazarene University and is a Nashvillenative. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, making jewelry andspending time with her grandson.