Press Release: PGCPS Announces New Executive Appointments to Lead District Transformation
July 25, 2025
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
Upper Marlboro, MD — In a bold step toward academic excellence and systemic transformation, Dr. Shawn Joseph, Interim Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), announced the appointment of four distinguished leaders to key executive roles. These individuals bring decades of experience in public education, policy, and leadership, and, most importantly, deep roots in Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland.
“I looked throughout the country for the best leaders, and I found that many were already in Prince George's County," said Dr. Joseph. "This is the right team at this critical moment in our history to move on our journey towards excellence.”
Dr. Carletta T. Marrow
Chief of Schools Support and School Leadership
A visionary leader with a passion for principal development and instructional excellence, Dr. Marrow brings a legacy of impact across every level of the PGCPS system—from classroom teacher to high school principal, to Associate Superintendent for High Schools. She is nationally recognized for her leadership in redesigning school structures to meet the holistic needs of students. Under her guidance, 9th grade promotion rates have improved by over 12%, and graduation rates have climbed by nearly 6%. Her approach to school leadership is rooted in equity, innovation, and the belief that every child deserves access to world-class learning experiences.
Dr. Ed Ryans
Associate Superintendent for High Schools
Dr. Ryans, a Morehouse College graduate and Prince George’s County education veteran, has spent over 30 years in PGCPS championing academic achievement and building leadership pipelines. Known for his work in turnaround schools, he has consistently increased high school graduation rates, strengthened instructional coherence, and expanded access to rigorous academic programming. He has served as a principal, a Director of Turnaround Schools, and most recently, as an Instructional Director overseeing high-performing high schools. His proven leadership has earned him recognition across the state, and his unwavering commitment to student success has transformed thousands of lives.
Dr. Dana E. Edwards
Associate Superintendent for Middle Schools
Dr. Edwards is a transformative systems thinker with over 20 years of leadership experience in Maryland, most recently as Chief of District Operations for Montgomery County Public Schools. A former middle school principal, Dr. Edwards is known for reversing workforce shortages, launching innovative out-of-school-time programs, and implementing culturally responsive stakeholder strategies. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the middle grades as a critical developmental phase, and she enters the role poised to align operational excellence with instructional priorities to accelerate student achievement across the district’s middle schools.
Dr. Ron Watson
Senior Advisor to the Superintendent
A lifelong Prince Georgian, State Senator, and former Board of Education Vice-Chair, Dr. Watson brings a rare combination of legislative acumen, military leadership, and educational passion to this role. A U.S. Army veteran, he has spent over three decades consulting with the Department of Defense on strategic operations. His academic foundation—including a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering—and history of public service in education make him uniquely suited to advise the Superintendent on local, state, and federal policy issues. His leadership will be instrumental in building strategic partnerships and aligning the district's work with broader governmental priorities.
Together, these appointees reflect a powerful blend of experience, innovation, and homegrown excellence. Their selection affirms Dr. Joseph’s commitment to leading with both vision and community pride, ensuring that PGCPS not only meets the moment—but boldly transforms it.
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