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Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent
Grant received his bachelor’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama. He holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama, with an emphasis in school law. Grant has been associated with numerous professional development activities in the area of school law, school law enforcement officer research, and special education law.
He also served as adjunct professor of educational law at the University of West Georgia. Grant has worked with school districts around the country as a consultant and practitioner for school improvement and family engagement. Grant and his wife, Jenn, have two daughters - Lauren and Reese.
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Chuck Gardner, Chief Academic Officer
Chuck Gardner is a career educator committed to ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education that prepares them for the life they choose. He served as Principal of Riverwood High School, Sandy Springs Middle School, and Frank McClarin High School in Fulton County Schools before coming to Marietta as Chief Operations Officer in 2019, where he oversaw Capital Programs, Facilities, Maintenance, School Nutrition, Transportation, School Safety, and Information Technology. He has overseen the successful completion of more than $70 million in school construction and renovation projects over the last five years.
Chuck received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a master’s degree from Kennesaw State University, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in School Improvement at the University of West Georgia. He has served as a regular speaker at national conferences, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
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Erin I. Franklin, Chief Financial Officer
Erin Franklin is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience in finance, budgeting, and accounting in both education and the private sector.
After serving for 17 years in Cobb County Schools, Erin joined Marietta City Schools as Director of Finance in 2006, and has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2016. She brings invaluable experience to all school district financial functions. Under her leadership, MCS has consistently been awarded the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, which is the highest form of recognition in governmental and financial reporting.
Erin is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Georgia Society of CPA’s, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO).
She resides in Marietta with her husband and four children.
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Mr. Michael Santoro, Chief Operations Officer
Michael Santoro is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Marietta City Schools (MCS). With a distinguished career in educational leadership, Mr. Santoro brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence to his role.
Before joining MCS, Michael served as principal at Creekview High School in Cherokee County and held leadership roles at Woodstock Middle School and River Ridge High School. His extensive career in education also includes a twenty-year tenure in Fulton County as a teacher, head coach, and athletic director.
As COO, Mr. Santoro oversees the district’s day-to-day operations, including managing school facilities, transportation, food services, procurement, safety, and security. His role supports the implementation of district policies and strategic initiatives to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Michael Santoro holds a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John Fisher College in New York, a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Walden University, and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Berry College. His wife, Stephanie, is an assistant principal in Cobb County, and they have a daughter, Sophia. In his free time, he enjoys family beach trips with their dogs and attending concerts.
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Michele Sayles Harris, Chief of Special Services and Educational Supports
Ms. Sayles Harris holds an Ed.S in Administration and Supervision, with an add-on in Educational Leadership both from the University of West Georgia. She earned her Masters of Arts in Behavior Disorders from Clark Atlanta University and her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Psychology and minor in Exceptional Children from Georgia State University. Michele resides in Mableton with her youngest child, her two older children are in college.
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Dr. Marco Holland, Chief Human Resources Officer
Marco Holland is a career educator with over 22 years of experience. During his 16-year tenure as a high school, middle school, and elementary school principal, Holland improved instructional programs, made effective use of data to solve complex problems, established strong community and school partnerships, and implemented processes that improved organizational culture.
In his most recent role, Marco served as the Senior Officer of Secondary School Governance for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, where he was responsible for human capital management along with providing tiered support, direct supervision, and evaluating 10 high schools and four middle schools.
Marco received his Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in Education from the University of West Georgia. He earned his Educational Specialist Degree at Jacksonville State University and is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration at Liberty University. Holland served six years in the United States Army Reserves in the field of medical logistics, in which he managed the procurement and distribution of medical resources and equipment.
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Kim Blass, Chief Impact Officer
Kim Blass brings extensive experience working at the intersection of communications and development to her position as the district’s Chief Impact Officer, where she drives strategy that helps make Marietta City Schools “special, different, and better.” Her team in External Affairs, Marietta Community School, and the Marietta College and Career Academy creates district and community impact by bringing opportunities and resources to our students, staff, and families.
Kim’s background includes consulting for Coxe Curry & Associates, where her numerous nonprofit clients included colleges, schools, arts organizations, and social service providers. She also worked as the chief marketing and communications officer at The Lovett School, and has held communications positions at several other leading Atlanta-area institutions, including Northside Hospital and the Atlanta History Center.
Kim is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended graduate school at Georgia State University. She proudly serves the community through her board appointments with the Cobb Chamber, the United Way of Greater Atlanta in Cobb, the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, the Marietta Arts Council, and the Kennesaw State University Community Advisory Council. Kim is a member of the Leadership Cobb Class of 2020 and the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2023.
Kim and her husband, P. Gray Kelly, have two children, both of whom have attended Marietta City Schools.
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Chris Fiore, Chief Communications Officer
Chris Fiore is an Emmy-nominated communications executive known for his expertise in public-sector communications. As Chief Communications Officer for Marietta City Schools (MCS), Fiore brings over a decade of experience in strategic communication and public relations.
Fiore's career is marked by significant roles, such as Public Information Director for the Louisiana Department of Labor and head of communications for South Lake Tahoe, California. His transformative work ranges from managing million-dollar marketing campaigns to overseeing effective regional responses during crises such as COVID-19.
As a seasoned television news journalist, Fiore reported on major global events, including the war in Afghanistan and hurricanes on the Carolina and Louisiana coasts. His ability to deliver critical information under high-stress situations has earned him respect and recognition in the field.
Now back in Georgia, where he kickstarted his career in the Public Information Office for the City of Savannah, Fiore is committed to elevating MCS's strategic communications and media relations. His dedication extends beyond his professional life, serving in leadership roles for various volunteer organizations, including the American Red Cross.
Fiore's work has earned him a Davey Award, a Top 40 Under 40 recognition, and numerous professional recognitions, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in public communications.
