Dr. Lindsay Whitley serves as the Associate Superintendent of Communications and Community Engagement for Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC, where he leads the district’s strategic communication, marketing, and engagement efforts. With nearly two decades of experience in Communications and Family and Community Engagement, Dr. Whitley is responsible for overseeing both external and internal communications generated on behalf of the school system. This includes public and media relations, internal and external communications, marketing, customer service, community engagement, print and graphic design, video production, website management, and social media, ensuring strong, transparent connections between the school district and its families, staff, and community members.
Dr. Whitley has been instrumental in rebranding Cumberland County Schools, overseeing the successful adoption of a new district logo and the creation of the district’s first comprehensive brand guidelines. He has developed innovative processes and marketing strategies to tell the district’s story and ensure consistent, impactful communication across all platforms. Under his leadership, the district launched the Cumberland Family Academy (CFA), which engages over 100,000 participants annually by offering workshops and resources that provide vital educational support for families. He also led the development of the Family Ambassador Program and the Key Communicators Network, both of which empower families to play active roles in their children’s education and foster open, transparent communication between the district and its stakeholders.
Before joining Cumberland County Schools, Dr. Whitley served as the Director of Guilford Parent Academy (GPA) for Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, NC. During his tenure, he helped establish GPA as a national model for family engagement, increasing participation from 13,270 to over 61,555 families annually. He also secured and managed more than $2.9 million in grants, including Race to the Top-District and Title I funds, developing sustainable programs that continue to support students and families today.
Nationally recognized for his leadership in family and community engagement, Dr. Whitley has presented at national conferences and seminars, including those hosted by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and the National Family Engagement Summit. His work has been featured in several journal articles, where he has shared insights on effective communication strategies and family engagement practices.
Dr. Whitley holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication Studies, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from High Point University in High Point, NC. He resides in Fayetteville, NC with his wife Brandy and their two sons, Chandler and Carter.