About Us

Dr. Chad Smith

Executive Principal, Powell High School

Dr. Chad Smith has proudly served Knox County Schools for more than two decades, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and community leadership. Since 2015, he has served as the Executive Principal of Powell High School—his alma mater—where he leads a dynamic team dedicated to empowering students through the 865 Academy model and a culture of high expectations and Panther pride.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Smith served as Principal of Carter Middle School (2014–2015) and as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Carter High School (2011–2014). His career in education began at South-Doyle High School, where he taught from 2001 to 2011 and cultivated his passion for instructional leadership, student engagement, and school culture.

A proud graduate of Powell High School, Dr. Smith earned his Honors Diploma in 1992 before completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (1998), Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (2000), and Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership (2002) from Tennessee Technological University. He later earned his Doctor of Education in Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2011.

Dr. Smith believes that great schools are built on strong relationships, shared purpose, and a relentless focus on student success. His guiding philosophy is best captured in his favorite quote: “When your belief is strong and your purpose just, no obstacle can stand in your way.”

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Dana Hall

Prinicipal of the Academy of Digital Creation and Design

Dana Hall has dedicated more than 30 years to education, serving students and schools across Nevada, Virginia, and Tennessee. She began her career in 1993 in Elko, Nevada, as a Homebound Teacher, later teaching Special Education in Carroll County, Virginia, and Union County, Tennessee. In 2002, Dana joined Knox County Schools, teaching Social Studies at Halls High School before becoming Assistant Principal (2004–2008). She went on to serve as Assistant Principal at Halls High School (2008–2018) and Gibbs High School (2018–2025), where she championed academic excellence, inclusion, and student success.

In Fall 2025, Dana returned to her alma mater, Powell High School, as Principal of Digital Creation and Design, leading innovative programs that integrate technology, creativity, and career readiness. A Powell High School Class of 1989 graduate, she holds a B.A. in Social Sciences from Lee University, an M.S. in Special Education from Old Dominion University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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Julie Liford

Principal of the Academy of Health Science and Human Services

Julie Liford has dedicated 26 years to education, shaping the lives of students and supporting school communities through both teaching and leadership. She began her career in 2000 as a science teacher at Powell High School. In 2007, she took the next step in her professional journey by joining West High School as an Assistant Principal before returning to Powell in 2012. After teaching science again, she transitioned back into administration and now serves as Principal of the Health Science and Human Services Academy. Her passion for learning, mentorship, and student success has remained at the heart of her work.

A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Julie earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Biology in 1998 and her master’s in Secondary Science Education in 2001. She later completed an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in 2005. Throughout her career, Julie has blended academic expertise with compassionate leadership to foster educational excellence and support the success of every student.

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Chad Smith

Principal of the Academy of Commerce and Transportation

Chad Smith has been a dedicated educator and leader within Knox County Schools for over two decades. He began his career as a Special Education English teacher at Carter High School before moving to Fulton High School, where he taught Special Education and Career and Technical Education in Television Production. He later transitioned to Powell Middle School  where he served as a Special Education teacher and department head.

Mr. Smith holds a bachelor's and master's degree in special education Modified and Comprehensive from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S) degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, earned in 2011. Since 2015, he has served as Assistant Principal at Powell High School, where he continues to support student growth, staff development, and school improvement initiatives. Currently. Mr. Smith is the Principal of The Academy of Commerce and Transportation, where he is passionate about preparing students for success in both postsecondary education and the modern workforce through innovative, career-focused learning opportunities.

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Amos Whitehead

Principal of the Freshmen Academy

Amos Whitehead's career in education spans various roles and schools within Knox County, demonstrating a deep and long-standing commitment to student growth. His journey began after earning his High School Diploma from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in 1982. He then attended Knoxville College, where he completed his B.S. in Elementary Education and Music Education in 1990, setting the stage for his impactful career in the classroom.

Mr. Whitehead began his professional life as a teacher at Vine Middle School, inspiring students for nearly a decade from 1990 to 1999. Recognizing his dedication and leadership potential, he moved into administration, serving as an Assistant Principal at Whittle Springs Middle School (1999–2000) and then taking on the dual role of Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Austin-East Magnet High School (2000–2008). His experience continued to grow with a tenure as Assistant Principal at West High School (2008–2011) and later as a Teacher and Dean of Operations at Carter Middle School (2011–2015).

Since 2015, Mr. Whitehead has brought his experience to Powell High School, where he currently serves as an Assistant Principal and the Freshman Academy Administrator, focusing his energy on helping the school's newest students successfully transition into high school. His educational foundation, which includes an M.S. in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (1999), reflects his lifelong dedication to fostering excellent educational environments.

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Adam Seymore

A proud East Tennessee native, Mr. Seymore graduated from Volunteer High School in 1999 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee in 2003 and a Master of Science in Education from UT in 2004. He began his teaching career with Knox County Schools in 2005 at Powell High School, where he taught chemistry for nine years before moving to Karns High School in 2014. After five years at Karns, Mr. Seymore returned to Powell High in 2019 to continue teaching chemistry and reconnect with the community that first sparked his passion for education.

In 2021, Mr. Seymore transitioned into the role of Graduation Coach, supporting students in reaching their academic and postsecondary goals, and in 2022, he was named Athletic Director at Powell High School. Mr. Seymore remains dedicated to fostering student success, promoting school pride, and serving the Powell community with integrity and enthusiasm.

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Micaiah Smoker

As the 865 Academies Coach at Powell High School, Mr. Smoker serves as a liaison between students, staff, and industry partners, working to strengthen connections that enhance college and career exploration through authentic learning experiences. His role focuses on ensuring every student graduates with meaningful exposure to postsecondary and career opportunities aligned with their interests and pathways.

Mr. Smoker began his career with Knox County Schools at Whittle Springs Middle in 2006, later joining Fulton High School, where he served as a Freshman Academy ACT Prep teacher, football coach, and technology coordinator, earning Teacher of the Year honors. He then moved to Powell Middle School in 2011, where he taught Social Studies, served as an 8th Grade Team Leader and summer school principal, track coach, and was again named Teacher of the Year. In 2016, he joined Powell High School as the ACT Head Coach, later assuming his current role as 865 Academies Coach.

He holds a B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Ed.S. in Administrative Leadership from Arkansas State University. Prior to education, he worked with CVS Pharmacy as a Retail Manager and Loss Prevention Supervisor of Logistics and Distribution.

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