Administrative Team

Dr. Chad Smith

Executive Principal, Powell High School

chad.smith1@knoxschools.org

Experience with Knox County Schools:

• 2015-Present:   Principal, Powell High School
• 2014-2015:   Principal, Carter Middle School
• 2011-2014:   Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Carter High School
• 2001-2011:   Teacher, South Doyle High School

Education:

•  1992:   Honors Diploma, Powell High School
•  1998:   B.S. in Business Administration, Tennessee Technological University
•  2000:   M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Tennessee Technological University
•  2002:   Ed. S. in Instructional Leadership, Tennessee Technological University
•  2011:   Ed. D in Leadership, Trevecca Nazarene University

Favorite Quote:

When your belief is strong and your purpose just, no obstacle can stand in your way.

Ms. Julie Liford,

Principal of Student Culture, Powell High School

All Sophomore Students

julie.liford@knoxschools.org

Experience with Knox County Schools:

• 2012-Present: Teacher and Assistant Principal, Powell High School
• 2007-2012:   Assistant Principal, West High School
• 2000-2007:   Teacher, Powell High School

Education:

•  1994:   High School Diploma, Alcoa High School
•  1998:   B.S. in Biology & Anthropology, University of Tennessee
•  2001:   M.S. in Secondary Science Education, University of Tennessee
•  2005:   Ed. S. in Administration & Supervision, Lincoln Memorial University

Favorite Quote:

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. - Nelson Mandela

Mr. Chad Smith

Principal of Student Success, Powell High School

All Senior Students

chad.smith@knoxschools.org

Experience with Knox County Schools:

• 2015-Present   Assistant Principal, Powell High School
• 2008-2015   Special Education Teacher/Department Head, Powell Middle School
• 2003-2007   CTE Teacher, Fulton High School
• 1999-2002   Special Education Teacher, Fulton High School

Education:

• 1994: Honors Diploma, Fulton High School
• 1999: B.S. in Special Education Modified/Comprehensive K-12, University of Tennessee
• 2007: M.A. in Special Education, University of Tennessee
• 2011: Ed.S in Administration and Supervision, Lincoln Memorial University

Favorite Quote:

Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.

Mrs. Melissa Walsh

Principal of Student Learning, Powell High School

All Junior Students

melissa.walsh@knoxschools.org

Experience with Knox County Schools:

• 2022-Present   Assistant Principal, Powell High School
• 2019-2022   Assistant Principal, L&N STEM Academy
• 2015-2019   Assistant Principal, West High School
• 2010-2015   English Teacher, Carter High School

Education:

• 2004: Honors Diploma, Houston High School
• 2008: B.A. in English Lit, Eastern Kentucky University
• 2010: M.A. in Secondary English Education, University of Tennessee
• 2015: Ed.S in Administration and Supervision, Lincoln Memorial University
• 2023: In progress, Ed.D. in Leadership, The University of the Cumberlands

Favorite Quote:

Women that believe in each other can survive anything. Women who believe in each other create armies that will win kingdoms and wars. - Nikita Gill

Mr. Amos Whitehead

9th Grade Principal, Powell High School

All 9th Grade Students

amos.whitehead@knoxschools.org

Experience with Knox County Schools:

• 2015 – Present   Assitant Principal, Freshman Academy Administrator, Powell High School
• 2011 – 2015    Teacher/Dean of Operations, Carter Middle School
• 2008 – 2011    Assistant Principal West High School
• 2000 – 2008    Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Austin-East Magnet High School
• 1999 – 2000    Assistant Principal, Whittle Springs Middle School
• 1990 – 1999    Teacher, Vine Middle School

Education:

• 1982 – High School Diploma, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School
• 1990 – B.S. In Elementary ED./Music Ed., Knoxville College
• 1999 – M.S. Administration and Supervision, Lincoln Memorial University

Favorite Quote:

Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed.

Mr. Adam Seymore

Athletic Director, Powell High School

adam.seymore@knoxschools.org

Experience with Knox County Schools:

• 2022 - Present  Athletic Director, Powell High School
• 2018 - 2022    Teacher, Powell High School
• 2014 - 2018    Teacher, Karns High School
• 2004 - 2014    Teacher, Powell High School

Education:

• 1999 – High School Diploma, Volunteer High School
• 2003 – B.S. In Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee
• 2004 – M.S. in Secondary Science Education, University of Tennessee