DR. ANNETTE TUDOR NAMED 2026 TENNESSEE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR
GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE –The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents released the following statement announcing Dr. Annette Tudor as the winner of the 2026 Superintendent of the Year Award on September 15th, 2025.
The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) met in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on September 15th, 2025, for their annual Awards Banquet and a special 50th Anniversary Celebration. The 2026 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year was announced at the banquet on Sunday night. This year, the honored award recipient was Dr. Annette Tudor, of Bristol Tennessee City Schools, representing the First region of Tennessee.
Dr. Tudor was selected for this honor from a distinguished group of eight Regional Superintendents of the Year, which included Dr. Tim Parrott (Anderson County Schools), East; Dr. Trey Duke (Murfreesboro City Schools), Mid-Cumberland; Dr. Leah Watkins (Henry County Schools), Northwest; Dr. Catherine Stephens (Tullahoma City Schools), South-Central; Trish Newsom (Dayton City Schools), Southeast; Cindy Olive (Lexington City Schools), Southwest; and Dr. Grant Swallows (Warren County Schools), Upper Cumberland.
Dr. Annette Tudor has served as the Director of Schools for Bristol Tennessee City Schools since 2020 and brings more than 30 years of experience in public education. She began her career as a special education teacher before moving into administrative roles, including Assistant Principal at Tennessee High School and Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for the district. Dr. Tudor earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry College, a master’s degree from Old Dominion University, and a Doctor of Education from East Tennessee State University. Under her leadership, the district has implemented innovative programs such as Viking Academy, expanded early literacy initiatives, and strengthened community partnerships to support students and families. Dr. Tudor is active in numerous local and state leadership roles. She and her husband of 30 years, David, have two sons.
TOSS Executive Director, Dr. Gary Lilly stated, “I am proud to congratulate all this year’s Regional Superintendents of the Year and extend a special recognition to Dr. Tudor for being named the 2026 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Tudor’s leadership in Bristol Tennessee City Schools exemplifies the strength of a superintendent who prioritizes students’ needs and innovates pathways to success. It is especially an honor to present this award on the 50th anniversary of The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents.”
Dr. Tudor will represent the state of Tennessee at the 2026 AASA National Conference on Education, which will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on February 11–13, 2026.
TOSS presented the George "Kip" Reel Award for Leadership in Education to former Executive Directors Dr. Ernestine McWherter and Mr. Tony Lancaster, and also the “Friend of TOSS” Award to former Commissioners of Education Dr. Lana Seivers and Dr. Tim Webb.
The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) is the leading superintendent advocate organization for public education in the state of Tennessee. Since 1975, TOSS has been progressing public education and addressing the needs of its administrators. TOSS provides advocacy at the state level for education issues that are high priorities for Tennessee schools and is comprised of district leaders who are committed to lifelong learning, best practice sharing, and continuous improvement.