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