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Pender County’s Dr. Brad Breedlove named North Carolina’s 2027 Superintendent of the Year

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Pender County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Brad Breedlove (center), is the North Carolina Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Travis L. Reeves, NCASA executive director (left) co-presented the award with Jack Hoke (right), executive director of the North Carolina State Superintendents’ Association. Courtesy of Alexis Hawk, NCASA

Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove — who has served in public education for more than two decades — was named the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year at a ceremony in Greensboro on Thursday.

The annual honor is presented jointly by the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA) and the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA), according to a press release, and the award ceremony and selections process is sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

“It is an honor to present Dr. Breedlove with this award,” said Jack Hoke, NCSSA’s executive director, in the release. “Through his selfless leadership, Dr. Breedlove fosters an environment where the entire organization achieves success. Pender County Schools has consistently achieved excellence under his watch. Today we recognize that achievement.”

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Since Breedlove started in the role of Pender County Schools superintendent in January 2023, the release says that he has “championed a philosophy of continuous improvement, guiding the district to new levels of academic achievement, career readiness, and operational efficiency.”

Under his leadership, Pender County Schools has earned statewide recognitions for both student and school achievements.

Dr. Brad Breedlove displays his plaque after winning the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year Award. Courtesy of Alexis Hawk, NCASA

“In 2025, the district was recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for exceptional academic growth at several schools and strong district graduation rates,” says the release. “Dr. Breedlove has also made workforce development a priority, leading the district’s Career and Technical Education program to a top 10 state ranking for credential attainment in 2025.”

In a video about Breedlove’s leadership shown at the ceremony, he described how he centers collaboration in his administrative style, helping everyone that he works with feel a part of a team.

“His strategic oversight of all aspects of running a school district reflects a commitment to maximizing resources to improve student outcomes, modernize facilities, and expand equitable access to curriculum, technology, and academic support,” says the release.

While accepting the honor, Breedlove thanked his students, teachers, administrative staff, and local board of education for the support they’d given him throughout his time as superintendent, saying that “you can’t do it alone.”

“I certainly wouldn’t be standing here without the great support I’ve had throughout my life in Pender County… Nothing happens without what’s happening in our classrooms,” said Breedlove. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. All of us are.”

NCSSA has recognized Superintendents of the Year since 1988, according to its website. On Thursday, Breedlove was recognized along with the other regional superintendents of the year:

  • Northeast: Dr. Matt Lutz, Currituck County Schools
  • Central: Dr. Steve Ellis, Nash County Public Schools
  • Sandhills: Dr. Jamie King, Sampson County Schools
  • Piedmont-Triad: Dr. Stephen Gainey, Randolph County School System
  • Southwest: Dr. Crystal Hill
  • Northwest: Dr. Mike Swan, Burke County Public Schools
  • Western: Mr. Chad Calhoun, Mitchell County Schools

Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green spoke at the ceremony, thanking all of the regional superintendents of the year for their work and service to the state.

“It is a tremendous accomplishment to achieve the honor of regional finalist,” said Green. “Thank you for all you do through all the ups and downs of the school year for the betterment of educators and students in your care. It is because of educators like you (that) we are making great strides toward achieving again educational excellence.”

In a video message shared at the ceremony, Gov. Josh Stein also thanked all the honorees for their work on behalf of students across the state.

“To be a regional superintendent of the year is a remarkable achievement,” said Stein. “It means that you’re an exceptional leader who’s made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many students, teachers, and staff. Thank you.”

According to the release, as the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, Breedlove will compete at the national level for the Superintendent of the Year Award, to be given at the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education Feb. 25-27, in Atlanta.

You can watch the ceremony in the video below. You can watch a video about Breedlove’s leadership, here, at the 55-minute mark.