MSCS spokesperson Jerica Phillips, who helmed district rebrand, to leave
The top spokesperson at Memphisshelby County Schools, Jerica Phillips, who led the effort in the recent renaming of the district, is leaving the district after three years.
Phillips has accepted a communications position with American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, better known as ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the district announced Friday.
Her last day is May 27. No successor or interim has been named.
Previously a television news reporter for Memphis’ WMC Action News 5, Phillips joined the district in March 2019 shortly after Joris Ray became interim superintendent. She was promoted a year later to the chief of communications, where she has remained throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since taking the helm, Phillips has led rebranding efforts for the district, which unveiled its new name and logo as Memphis-shelby County Schools in February, and led communications of the district’s new facilities and academics strategic plan called Reimagine 901.
The communications department at the school includes internal and external communications, plus district marketing and broadcasting, which includes the district’s radio station.
“I’m a single mom of four,” Phillips told The Commercial Appeal Friday from Houston, where she was moving her oldest daughter out of college after her first year. “I don’t think people realize the challenge with the work-life balance.”
“I wear so many hats at the district,” Phillips continued. “... I want to be there, I want to be present (for my kids).”
Phillips has two other children who are middle schoolers at MSCS, and a daughter with special needs headed to kindergarten.
“I’m most proud of the innovation we have seen under Dr. Ray’s leadership,” Phillips said, reflecting on her role. “I think he stood boldly and courageously through a pandemic where so many superintendents have now stepped down because of the pressure. He has been a man who has been consistent and has continued to lead this district in a way that speaks to a belief system in education, and that’s the most important legacy that I want to continue in my work.”
That value of education, a pathway for saving lives, is similar to the mission for ALSAC, Phillips said.
In a release, Ray called Phillips a “key leader” in the cabinet.
“We admire and will sincerely miss her fervor for storytelling and ability to authentically influence others to action,” Ray said. “We’re pleased that she will remain in the community, carry on her advocacy for children, and continue her parental-involvement in schools.”
Reach Laura Testino at laura .testino@commercialappeal.com.