MARCUS SHEAD
Director of Strategic Initiatives
As Director of Strategic Initiatives at Seeding Success, Marcus is dedicated to building partnerships, driving strategic initiatives, and advancing collaborative solutions that improve outcomes for children and families across Memphis. With an unwavering commitment to educational equity and community impact, he works alongside partners across sectors to help ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
A proud Memphis native, Marcus is a graduate of White Station High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. He later received a Master of Arts in Administration & Leadership from Strayer University. Before joining Seeding Success, Marcus spent decades serving students, families, and educators throughout Memphis. His career in education includes experience as a teacher, athletic coach, counselor, assistant principal, and principal across multiple middle and high schools. These diverse leadership roles have provided him with firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing students and have fueled his passion for creating systems that support long-term success.
A lifelong learner and servant leader, Marcus has completed several distinguished leadership development programs, including the Tennessee Turnaround Principal Cohort, the Tennessee Governor’s School of Leadership, and the Relay Graduate School of Education. These experiences have strengthened his ability to lead transformational change, build high-performing teams, and cultivate meaningful partnerships.
A devoted husband and father of two, Marcus believes that strong families, strong schools, and strong communities are the foundation for every child’s success—a belief that guides both his personal life and his work.
Driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, Marcus is passionate about bringing people together to create lasting change for Memphis and the communities Seeding Success serves.