Workshop Presenter Bios

Dr. Stephen Hancock

Born in Queens and raised in the Bronx, Dr. Stephen P. Hancock is a proud product of a bilingual household and a devoted husband, father, son, nephew, and older brother. He currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the Brewster Central School District, where he is responsible for recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional staff to serve a diverse student body of over 3,000 students—53% of whom identify as LatinX.

Now in his 18th year in education, Stephen brings a rich and varied background to his leadership role. He began his career in the Ossining Union Free School District, where he served for 15 years, first as a middle school Social Studies and Reading teacher, and later as a school administrator. His administrative experience includes leadership roles as Assistant Principal at Anne M. Dorner Middle School, Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, and Principal of Ossining High School.

Stephen is an active member of the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NYSALAS) and has shared his insights at multiple professional conferences, including presentations for PNWB and NYSALAS. In 2017, Stephen was inducted into the St. Thomas Aquinas College Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the field of education and continued engagement with his alma mater.

Stephen holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville University. He also earned a Master of Science in School and District Leadership from Bank Street College of Education through the FSLA program, a Master of Science in Literacy (Birth–Grade 12) from the College of New Rochelle, and a Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Education with a concentration in History from St. Thomas Aquinas College. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Raymond R. Delaney Scholarship by the New York State Council of School Superintendents.

Guided by the belief, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," Stephen remains deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of students and educators, fostering inclusive, equitable, and thriving school communities.

Dr.  Brent Harrington

Dr. Brent Harrington proudly serves as the Director of Human Resources and Personnel Development for the Cornwall Central School District.  A 25 year educator, Dr. Harrington began his career as a middle school social studies teacher before proudly serving as an elementary and middle school principal in Haldane and Pocantico Hills.  Dr. Harrington later transitioned to district-level leadership work, and specifically, human resources, largely in recognition that the most important decisions a school district makes in the lives of children are the individuals an organization recruits, hires and supports.  Dr. Harrington has long had a keen interest in growing and supporting streamlined hiring procedures that eliminate barriers for diverse candidates in an effort to better reflect the district's student demographic.  Securing his doctorate from the University of Arkansas, Dr. Harrington's dissertation focused on ethical decision making and the importance of staff's emotional intelligence in addressing student behavior.  

A proud graduate of the University of Richmond, Dr. Harrington volunteers his time as an alumni interviewer for prospective future Spiders.  A happily married father of two teenage boys, Dr. Harrington enjoys hiking, paddleboarding and gardening, while remaining a passionate and loyal Yankee and Knicks fan.

Traci Jackson

Traci Jackson is currently the Executive Director for Human Resources for the City School District of New Rochelle.  However, she did not begin her professional career in education.  Prior to entering the field of education, Mrs. Jackson was a successful District Sales Manager for two of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world. 

The thrill of educating others and the influence of those around her led her to step out on faith, return to school and enter the field of education. And, after 17 years as an educator in the White Plains City School District, she joined the City School District of New Rochelle, as the Executive Director of Human Resources. While Jackson loved being in the classroom, she realized that in order to influence real change in school districts she needed to leave the classroom and seek a district level administrative position.  Her father had always told her “Traci, if you are not at the table, you will always be on the menu.” She decided to seek a seat at the table by joining the City School District of New Rochelle as the Executive Director for Human Resources.  She is excited to be a member of an executive administrative team who have become change agents on the path towards leaving a legacy of inclusivity, betterment, and opportunities for all members of the school community.

Mrs. Jackson earned her Bachelors in Business Administration from Howard University in Washington, D.C.  In addition, she earned her Master of Professional Studies in Elementary Education and Special Education from Manhattanville College and graduated from their School Building and School District Educational Leadership Advanced Studies Program. Traci has lived in Greenburgh, New York with her husband and children for over 28 years.   Her son and daughter are both recent college graduates who have now begun their own professional careers, so her and her husband are learning to enjoy being empty nesters along with their dog, Mojo.

Jamal Lewis

Jamal Lewis is the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services in the Peekskill City School District.  He has worked in the Peekskill City School District since 2014.  Prior to that, he was an administrator in Orange and Westchester counties and taught in The Bronx and Westchester County.  Mr. Lewis has been an educator and administrator for twenty-seven years.  His passion for learning, teaching, expanding minds, engaging staff and communities, and desire to always do his best has led to a fulfilling career in public service.   

Mr. Lewis is proud of his Bronx roots and has said that these roots helped grow a responsible, determined, committed, and appreciative citizen.  Mr. Lewis obtained his Bachelor's in Education from Baruch College.  His Master’s degree in Education was awarded to him from Lehman College and his Master’s degree is school leadership was earned from Mercy University. 

Mr. Lewis believes in purposeful and careful work, guiding others to be effective professionals, and collaborating with students, staff, administrators, and families.   

Dr. Joseph Lloyd

Dr. Joseph Lloyd proudly serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the South Orangetown Central School District. He has worked in the field of education for more than 24 years. He previously served as the Principal of Sloatsburg Elementary School in the Suffern Central School District, while also working as an assistant principal and classroom teacher in the North Rockland Central School District. While attaining his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Albany, he studied the impact of the New York State Annual Professional Performance Review process upon teacher morale. Since joining SOCSD in 2019, he has worked to develop his district’s talent pathways to be more diverse and inclusive by building new partnerships, expanding recruitment opportunities, and remodeling the hiring process. He is a happily married father of two children, enjoys cooking, hiking and remains a devout Buffalo Bills fanatic. 

Dina Miller 

Dina Miller has dedicated her 21-year career to serving the Somers Central School District, growing professionally alongside the community she proudly represents. She began her journey in Somers as a substitute teacher and has since served as a middle school classroom teacher, MTSS Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and now as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services.

Dina knew from an early age that she wanted to be an educator. Her passion for supporting children and families led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies, followed by two Master’s degrees, one in Education and one in School Administration. She is currently enrolled in the Future Superintendents Academy, continuing her commitment to leadership development and lifelong learning.

A proud graduate of Brewster schools, Dina understands the importance of strong public education systems. She now resides in Newtown, Connecticut with her husband and their three children, and remains passionate about serving students, families, and educators each day.

Dr. Corey W. Reynolds

Dr. Corey W. Reynolds is a first-generation American and the first in his family to go to college. He received his bachelor’s degree in English from Seton Hall University and his master’s degree in Elementary Education from Fordham University. Dr. Reynolds went on to receive his second master’s degree from the College of New Rochelle, specializing in School Administration and Supervision. For his doctoral studies, he returned to Seton Hall University to pursue his degree in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy.

Currently serving as the Superintendent of Schools for the City School District of New Rochelle, Dr. Reynolds has served as a classroom teacher in both the Mount Vernon City and the Greenburgh Central School Districts, working as an early elementary educator in both and as an Assistant Principal and Principal in the Ossining Union Free School District. Dr. Reynolds has been employed as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the White Plains City School District, the Assistant Superintendent for Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction for Elementary Administration in the Yonkers Public Schools, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Personnel in the Greenburgh Central School District, and as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for the City School District of New Rochelle.  

Jeff Sobel 

Jeff Sobel is the District Coordinator for Human Resources and Curriculum and Instruction in the  Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District.  Mr. Sobel has four decades of experience in public education, including 27 years serving Clarkstown Central School District (CCSD) students and families. After earning his Bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland and his Master’s degree at the College of New Rochelle, Jeff obtained his Professional Diploma in Educational Administration at Iona College. Mr. Sobel first came to Clarkstown as a special education teacher at Felix Festa Middle School in 1996, from there becoming an Assistant Principal at Festa in 2000 and the District Director of Personnel in 2007, before his appointment as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel in 2009..