In a meeting on December 6, 1974, a group of superintendents with a representative from each region in Tennessee, gathered to discuss the formation of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS).  The first item of business that day was to elect officers to serve on the first TOSS Board.  On March 17, 1975, TOSS was officially chartered, marking the beginning of our organization.  TOSS's mission has always been to do what is best for the children in Tennessee's public school system by offering political advocacy and professional development for district leaders.  In order to increase the strength of our efforts, TOSS began establishing corporate partnerships in the early 1990's.  This was a time of significant growth for the organization, during which we established TOSS as the Tennessee AASA affiliate, took on responsibility for the Tennessee Superintendent of the Year Award program, established our Annual TOSS Legislative Conference, began participation in the Department of Education's Superintendent Study Council Conference, moved into our own office space, and much more.  In recent years, TOSS has continued to grow immensely.  We now have 145 superintendents in our membership.  Our staff has tripled in size, going from two to six full-time employees since 2013.  In addition to our Superintendent Leadership Institute, our professional development program extended to include the Associate Leadership Institute in 2016.  TOSS will continue to progress public education in Tennessee by addressing the needs of students and administrators. 


Past Executive Directors

Past toss presidents

Mark Florence - 2023 - 2024

Dr. Mischelle Simcox - 2022 - 2023

Dr. Danny Weeks - 2021-2022

Dr. David Stephens - 2020-2021

Dr. LaDonna McFall - 2019-2020

Rob Britt - 2018-2019

John Aitken - 2017-2018

Dr. Bill Heath - 2016-2017

Dr. Gary Lilly - 2015-2016

Randy Frazier - 2014-2015

Dr. Wanda Shelton - 2013-2014

Dr. Dale Lynch - 2012-2013

Dr. Mary Reel - 2011-2012

Dr. Dan Lawson - 2010-2011

Denise Brown - 2009-2010

Rick Kriesky - 2008-2009

Jimmy Long - 2007-2008

Dr. Lyle Ailshie - 2006-2007

Dr. Tim Fite - 2005-22006

Stan Golden - 2004-2005

Dr. Jack Parton - 2003-2004

Richard Barber - 2002-2003

David Rhodes - 2001-2002

Sue Porter - 2000-2001

Dr. Rose Snead - 1999-2000

Mark Beal - 1998-1999

John O'Dell -1997-1998

Dr. Bobby Webb -1996-1997

Dr. Rebecca Sharber - 1995-1996

Dr. Keith Brewer - 1994-1995

Ray Newbill - 1993-1994

Jerome Ellis - 1992-1993

David Wetzel - 1991-1992

Larry Ridings -1990-1991

Wayne Qualls - 1989-1990

John Payne - 1988-1989

Larry Vick - 1987-1988

Donald Embry - 1986-1987

James Gaddis - 1985-1986

Don Brown - 1984-1985

Robin Pierce - 1978-1984

Jim Burns - 1976-1978

Mildred Doyle - 1975-1976