District 97 Superintendent Ushma Shah and the Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of Natacia Campbell Tominov as the assistant superintendent of human resources and equity, effective April 1. The position replaces the chief legal and equity officer, who previously led the district’s human resources team.
The board of education approved Campbell Tominov’s appointment during its regular meeting March 19.
“To transform the district in the manner called for in our equity policy, we are going to need to build next-edge systems,” said District 97 Superintendent Ushma Shah. “As a leader with significant experience in both school operations and curriculum and instruction, Dr. Campbell Tominov is the ideal leader to join our team in this unique role.”
Campbell Tominov comes to Oak Park from Joliet Public Schools District 86, where she is currently the assistant superintendent for human resources and labor relations, overseeing all recruiting and hiring processes, retention, licensure, and employee relations. During her 22 years in education, she has also served as a classroom teacher, adjunct professor, mentor, professional development provider, building administrator, evaluator, and state assessment writer.
“In addition to the systems operational and instructional focus of her position, Dr. Campbell Tominov will bring the nuts and bolts expertise we need to ensure a welcoming and well-run human resources department,” said Shah, “Employees have asked for an improved employee experience, and this new role positions us to be responsive to this need.”
Over the course of her career, Campbell Tominov has consistently worked to build systems that advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. In addition to her work within diverse school communities, she has presented nationally on developing culturally-proficient leaders and currently serves as the DEI Committee chair for the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA) and supports the DEI and Scholarship committees for the American Association School Personnel Administrators (AASPA).
Campbell Tominov holds a bachelor’s degree in science and secondary education from Trinity Christian College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University, and an educational doctorate in administrative leadership in teaching and learning from Walden University, with a concentration in professional development for the implementation of standards-based instruction. She holds a superintendent endorsement and a certificate from the Human Capital Leaders in Education (pHCLE) program, and is working to complete her Chief School Business Official (CSBO) certification.
Campbell Tominov said she is excited to be joining the District 97 community in April.
“Oak Park’s commitment to and policy for equity not only aligns with my values but speaks to the kind of dedicated work it takes to address diversity and equity at an organizational level,” Campbell Tominov said. “In my human resource role, in addition to building strong operational systems, I will have a laser focus on recruiting, hiring, and retaining outstanding teachers and staff who are representative of the community and its values. In my role as D97’s equity lead, I will be collaborating with the superintendent and all staff to ensure that equity is embedded in who we are and all that we do.”