Dr. Marcus J. Newsome

Dr. Marcus J. Newsome is an award-winning educator, internationally recognized leadership expert, author, and superintendent whose career has spanned education, higher education, nonprofit leadership, and public service. He has advised governors, members of Congress, and business leaders across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. A former president of the National Bible College and Seminary and senior advisor for Benchmark Education, Dr. Newsome is also the founder of the Virginia Superintendents Leadership Academy, where he has coached and mentored executive educational leaders. He is the author of several books, including Breakthrough Leadership, Out of a Crisis, and Transcend. In addition to his leadership roles, he has served as an associate professor at Harvard University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia State University, and co-founded Mega Mentors, a White House-recognized mentoring organization.

Known for driving transformational change, Dr. Newsome began his career as an art and mathematics teacher in Washington, D.C., and advanced through a series of leadership positions culminating in superintendent roles across four school divisions. Under his leadership, Newport News Public Schools saw all high schools recognized among Newsweek’s “Best High Schools in America,” while Chesterfield County Public Schools earned national recognition for digital innovation at a White House ceremony. His contributions to Petersburg City Public Schools were highlighted in the award-winning documentary Petersburg Rising. Dr. Newsome holds doctorates in Educational Leadership and Christian Education and has received more than 100 honors, including the FBI Community Service Award. An ordained minister and community servant, he continues to support educational opportunities for underserved students through his work with the Abulkoi Foundation in South Sudan while remaining committed to faith, family, and service.