Dr. Monifa McKnight

Dr. Monifa McKnight is an award-winning educator, author, and leader with over 25 years of experience driving change within organizations with her signature people-centered leadership philosophy. She has modeled that philosophy as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and most notably, the first woman superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools—the 14th largest district in the nation. After her tenure as Superintendent, she was named the Superintendent Fellow at the University of Maryland’s Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement, where she continues to shape the next generation of educational leaders.  

After observing during her career that long-term success needed more than just talent, rather a deep investment in people, Dr. McKnight founded McKnight Lotus Leadership Group in 2025 to lend her expertise in scaling sustainable leadership. MLLG was built to bridge that gap, helping leaders stay at the top of their game while organizations protect their most valuable assets.  

Dr. McKnight has been honored with numerous recognitions, including serving as a Principal Ambassador Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from South Carolina State University. Her debut book release is titled Full Flight: Lessons in Leading as a Black Woman in Education and scheduled to be released in 2026.  

In addition, she serves as an Executive Board Member for Scouting America National Capital Area Council, a board member for Africa University, and serves as Vice Chair, Board of Visitors at Bowie State University. Grounded in her roots in Orangeburg, South Carolina, she is a devoted wife and mother, who values family, faith, and community above all.