### For Immediate Release
**Memphis Oral School for the Deaf and First Joy Preschool Welcome Lisa R. Settle as New Executive Director**
**Germantown, TN – September 23, 2025** – The Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD) and First Joy Preschool (FJP) are thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisa R. Settle as their new Executive Director, effective Monday, September 29, 2025. With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit and education leadership, Settle brings a proven track record of driving organizational growth, fostering equity-centered programs, and empowering children and families through inclusive education and early intervention services.
In her new role, Settle will oversee the strategic direction of both MOSD and FJP, ensuring alignment with their shared mission to support children with hearing loss and young learners in developing essential skills for lifelong success. MOSD, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing children to listen, learn, and speak through early intervention, advanced technology, and family-centered education, operates programs such as Sound Beginnings, Sound Transitions, and its preschool for ages 2-6. FJP provides a nurturing environment for children from 3 months to 5 years old, focusing on holistic development. Together, the organizations serve the Mid-South community by expanding access to specialized services, regardless of families' ability to pay.
Settle's extensive background includes serving as Vice President of Program Design & Innovation at the New Teacher Center, where she led equity-focused professional learning initiatives and fundraising efforts. Previously, as Chief Performance Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Superintendent at the Achievement School District in Tennessee, she managed multi-million-dollar budgets, oversaw early childhood education and intervention programs for children with developmental challenges, and cultivated philanthropic partnerships. Earlier in her career, she co-founded and led Cornerstone Prep School – Lester Campus, developing tailored programs for diverse learners, and held academic leadership roles at institutions like LeMoyne-Owen College and Crichton College.
The search committee highlighted Settle's unique blend of warmth and expertise: "When we first met Lisa, it felt like talking to an old friend. She is warm, approachable, and truly cares about people. Pair that with her experience of more than a decade in early childhood education, and we knew she was the leader we needed. We’re so grateful to have her join the MOSD family and excited for the future with her at the helm."
Settle holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Education from Union University and a Master’s in Criminology/Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis. She is currently pursuing an EdD in Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Memphis. Her commitment to civic leadership is evident through her board service at Believe Memphis Academy Charter School and Soulsville Charter School, as well as her ongoing involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
"I am honored to join MOSD and FJP at this pivotal time," said Settle. "These organizations are beacons of hope for children and families in the Mid-South, and I look forward to building on their legacy of innovation and inclusion to expand our impact."
For more information about Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, visit www.mosdkids.org. For First Joy Preschool, visit www.firstjoypreschool.org.
**About Memphis Oral School for the Deaf and First Joy Preschool**
Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD) is a nonprofit organization empowering children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen, learn, and speak through early intervention, advanced technology, and family-centered education. First Joy Preschool (FJP) offers a nurturing learning environment for young children ages 3 months to 5 years, supporting their holistic development. Together, they provide comprehensive services including auditory-verbal therapy, preschool programs, and clinical support to foster success for all children in the Mid-South.
**Media Contact:**
J.R. Parsons
Chairman, Board of Directors
parsons1981@gmail.com
901-833-1868
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