Dr. Darren Clay (Executive Consultant)

Darren has been serving students from diverse backgrounds since 2011. As a 4th generation school leader, he has enjoyed serving in multiple educational leadership roles. With a focus on supporting educational leaders, he currently serves as Sr. Customer Success Manager at Microsoft. He previously served as a School Principal. He also served as the Transformation Leadership Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Education, where Darren created state-wide virtual professional development for principals in turnaround school settings. In Darren’s former role, he was highly involved with technology integration efforts as a Technology Assistant Principal at a Microsoft Showcase School.

In 2016 and 2017, Darren has co-hosted the largest school-led Microsoft Redefining Learning Conference in U.S. history. As a regional technology team lead, Darren helps to drive technology innovation in over 20 schools. His passion for education has led to recognition within his district as the 2017 Assistant Principal of the Year, 2013 Teacher of the Year, and Georgia State University Alumni’s Top 40 Under 40. Darren’s work has been nationally featured by Federal Government’s Office of Educational Technology and the U.S. Microsoft Education Team.

Darren currently holds advanced degrees in Instructional Technology and Educational Leadership. Darren earned his doctorate degree from the University of Georgia, where he implemented a case study action research with focus on integrating 21st Century Learning Skills. In addition to writing his dissertation, he co-authored an anthology featuring Rising Assistant Principals working in districts around the country. He was also recognized by his efforts outside of the classroom as a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Whitney M. Young Award for outstanding service to youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds. His ultimate goal is to give stakeholders an adequate opportunity to succeed with proven practices within 21st century learning environments.