Partnering with education leaders to guide the future of educator support, recruitment, and K-12 innovation.
At Teacher Lounge, we know that the most impactful support comes from staying closely connected to the leaders who shape the day-to-day experience of teachers and students. As the world of education evolves, we remain committed to being a partner that truly listens and adapts.
To deepen this connection, we are proud to introduce the first Teacher Lounge Advisory Board. This group of distinguished district HR leaders, superintendents, and executive educators brings together a wealth of expertise to help guide our work, ensuring every program we build is responsive to the real needs of our partner schools.
We are grateful to have these visionary leaders helping us steer our next chapter:
Tionia Richardson, Director of Recruitment, Dallas Independent School District
James Urbaniak, Human Resources Officer, Hawaiʻi Department of Education
Dr. Ilene Wilkins, CEO, UCP of Central Florida
Leigh Butler, Chief Human Resources Officer, Monterey County Office of Education

This advisory body creates a vital space for us to listen, learn, and grow. Through honest dialogue, our members will share candid perspectives on the workforce and operational challenges facing schools today. By tapping into their expertise, we can ensure our annual priorities and strategic focus areas remain deeply relevant to the diverse communities we serve.
Beyond sharing insights, our board members will provide practical feedback on our current and proposed initiatives, helping us innovate in ways that are truly impactful for educators and students. More than just an advisory group, this is an extension of our partnership philosophy – creating space where we exchange best practices and work together to ensure that Teacher Lounge remains a supportive, reliable, and forward-thinking partner in your educational journey.
“We created this Advisory Board to ensure that every initiative we launch is grounded in open dialogue and practical impact for schools and educators,” says Jimmy Brazelton, Executive Director, Teacher Lounge. “We are deeply grateful to Tionia, James, Illene, and Leigh for contributing their time, expertise, and leadership to help shape the future of our network.”