Matt Throckmorton

Executive Director
matt@tncharterschools.org

Matt Throckmorton joined the Tennessee Charter Schools Association in 2007, taking over the position as Executive Director. Since he has held this position, Throckmorton has been integral to the passing of historically important charter school legislation for the state of Tennessee, manned a grassroots advocacy campaign before various governing and legislative bodies, grew the number of charter schools from 12 to 41, and raised the organization’s annual funding from $75,000 to $1.2M.

Throckmorton is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he got his degree in political science. He joined TCSA after working for a number of years as an adjunct professor of political science at Utah Valley State College.

Jennifer Gentry

Project Manager
jennifer@tncharterschools.org

Jennifer Gentry joined the TCSA staff in July 2010.  She brings with her a background in business and education.  Having attended Louisiana Tech University where she majored in Business Administration, she currently lives in the Nashville area with her husband and son. Gentry is passionate about education and being part of the movement for reform. She currently handles any projects, research, and a variety of other tasks for the TCSA.

W Mackey Brownlee

Information Technology Manager
mackey@tncharterschools.org

Mackey Brownlee joined the TCSA staff in June 2011.  Originally from Knoxville, Brownlee moved to Nashville several years ago to open the Art Institute of Tennessee Nashville and Argosy University Nashville, and remain on as Director of Technology for over 5 years of growth.  Brownlee is passionate about education, technology and how the two intersect.  He sees increase of technology in the classroom as a crucial component in education reform.  Brownlee currently handles all Information Technology needs for TCSA.

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Lauren Hayes

Advocacy Director

lauren@tncharterschools.org

Lauren Hayes joined TCSA in July 2011 after completing a master’s degree in education at the University of Cambridge.  Originally from a small town in Alabama, Lauren graduated from Auburn University before working as a research assistant at a Washington, D.C. consulting firm.  She brings a range of education and policy experience combined with a determination to reform public education.  At TCSA, Hayes coordinates the community engagement and advocacy efforts for charter schools throughout the state.