Ms. Kia Berry Hagens

Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, Superintendent of Schools, Ann Arbor Public Schools, is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Kia Berry Hagens as Executive Director, Human Resources and Employee Relations.

Ms. Hagens comes to the AAPS from the Michigan Education Association Center for Leadership & Learning, Member Engagement, where she has served as Director since 2017. She has been a director in the MEA Southern Zone, an MEA Uniserv Director in Washtenaw, Oakland and Genesee Counties and served as NEA/MEA Intern Uniserv Director in the Plymouth Canton Office. Prior to her service with the MEA, she taught middle school reading and language arts for twelve years in Detroit and Farmington school districts.

Ms. Hagens holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Michigan. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University, Chicago, and served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Training in Wayne County.

Superintendent Swift shares, “We are very fortunate to add Ms. Hagens to the AAPS team; she brings impressive experience across the critical areas of employee relations, senior leadership in high impact organizations, and also has the valued experience as a classroom teacher. She embodies a proven commitment to equity, understands the critical importance of attracting, retaining, developing and supporting quality, diverse professional educators and is committed to achieving the AAPS critical mission of serving every child, every day.”

Leadership highlights from her experience include: Serving as a vetted National Education Association Trainer, providing NEA Diversity and Inclusion training; Lead SPARKS trainer; and CORE, Bargaining and PR, Labor Practicum trainer. Ms. Hagens was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and received the National Best Petitioner Brief Award from the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition.

Ms. Hagen shares, “I am humbled and honored to be able to use my skills and talents at the Ann Arbor Public Schools. I look forward to returning home where my journey began with my K-12 public education.”

Superintendent Swift extends a warm welcome to Ms. Hagens as the Executive Director, Human Resources and Employee Relations.