MASA Welcomes the 2026–27 Advanced Leadership Academy Cohort
MASA is excited to welcome the members of the 2026–27 Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA) as they begin a nine-month journey focused on leadership, connection, reflection, and growth.
Designed to strengthen and sustain excellence in the superintendency, the Advanced Leadership Academy brings school leaders together for meaningful learning and intentional time with colleagues and executive coaches. Throughout the year, participants will explore what it means to lead effectively in a “never normal” and ever-changing environment — while keeping the needs of students and communities at the center of their work.
The 2026–27 Academy is facilitated by Stephen F. Murley, an experienced superintendent, AASA Lead Instructor, and educational policy and leadership expert. Murley brings 18 years of experience as a superintendent of schools in Green Bay, Iowa City, and Wausau, along with more than a decade as lead instructor for the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program – Midwest Cohort.
Meet the 2026–27 Advanced Leadership Academy Cohort
MASA is proud to recognize the school leaders participating in this year’s Academy:
- Michael Bolsoni, Superintendent, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools
- Susan Burris, Superintendent, Litchfield Public Schools
- Jeremy Erler, Superintendent, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School
- Ann-Marie Foucault, Superintendent, St. Michael-Albertville School District
- Brian Gersich, Superintendent, Waconia Public Schools
- Eric Hudspith, Superintendent, Waseca Public Schools
- Tiffany Litman, Executive Director / Director of Special Education, Area Special Education Cooperative
- Timothy Prom, Superintendent, Annandale Public School District
- Erin Rathke, Superintendent, Eastern Carver County Schools
- Jeffery Ridlehoover, Superintendent, Rockford Area Schools
- Mike Rowe, Superintendent, Maple Lake Public Schools
- Aaron Sinclair, Director of School Leadership, Sourcewell
- Chris Swenson, Superintendent, Monticello Public School District
- Tim Truebenbach, Superintendent, Big Lake Public School District
- David Wedin, Superintendent, Milaca Public Schools
- Kristine Wehrkamp Herman, Superintendent, Hastings Public Schools
- Ariana Wright, Superintendent, Lake City Public Schools
Over the next nine months, cohort members will participate in a combination of in-person and virtual learning experiences, creating opportunities to step away from the day-to-day demands of leadership, learn alongside colleagues, and build relationships with peers from across Minnesota.
The Academy begins September 15–16 and continues through May 2027. This year’s experience also includes an optional Milliken Transformational Leadership Experience in South Carolina in April.
We’re excited to follow this outstanding group of leaders throughout the year and celebrate the learning, relationships, and ideas that emerge from their time together.
Congratulations and welcome to the 2026–27 MASA Advanced Leadership Academy cohort!