Superintendent appoints new Director of Human Resources for BPS

BOSTON - Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant announced today the appointment of Barbara E. McGann as the new Director of Human Resources for the Boston Public Schools.

Ms. McGann has most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Rhode Island. Serving in that post since 2002, Ms. McGann earned national praise for her leadership of relief efforts for victims of the Station nightclub fire.

She spent the past year as a Fellow in the Broad Urban Superintendents Academy.

Superintendent Payzant said that he was excited to have her join his staff.

"Having worked with Barbara through the Broad program, I am confident that her skills and experience are well-suited to this challenging position," he said. "She has an impressive resume and a proven track record of successful recruitment and support of employees."

Ms. McGann retired from the U.S. Navy in 2002 as a Rear Admiral "2-star," the second-highest ranking woman in the Navy and the fourth woman line officer in Navy history to rise to this rank. She served as Provost of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and as Commander of Navy Recruiting Command in Washington, DC, where she managed a multi-million dollar annual budget and helped to recruit an average of 60,000 people per year into the Navy. She also assisted with the development and implementation of a comprehensive professional development plan for all officers. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel.

Ms. McGann began her career as a teacher in public and private schools in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

"I remember fondly my days as a teacher and teachers matter hugely in the lives and futures of students," Ms. McGann said. "I look forward to working with the dedicated Human Resources staff of the BPS and all of the 7,500 employees in the district to support all of the hard work taking place in schools."

She replaces Dr. Ray Shurtleff, who is retiring after more than 30 years in public education. She will begin her new role at the end of January.