MEMPHIS-Memphis-Shelby County Schools has named Candice Grose as Chief of Communications and Public Relations.
Grose has more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public relations, reputation management, and organizational change across public education, government, and Fortune 100 companies.
Throughout her career, she has advised executive leaders, including superintendents, elected officials, and corporate executives, while developing communications strategies designed to strengthen trust, improve organizational alignment, and help communities better understand the decisions and priorities that affect them.
Most recently, she served as Chief of Communications for Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest school district, where she served as a cabinet-level advisor to the superintendent and led communications through significant financial and organizational transformation. She previously served as Deputy Chief of Communications for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where she led districtwide communications and marketing and helped advance a major brand transformation and strategic storytelling effort.
Her career also includes communications leadership with McDonald’s Corporation, Kraft Heinz, and American Airlines, as well as extensive experience in Memphis and Shelby County. She previously served as Public Information Officer and communications advisor to the Shelby County Mayor and led internal communications and employee engagement for the City of Memphis.
Earlier in her career, she worked with the Memphis Urban League, further strengthening her connection to the local community, as well as the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, adding national experience to her public affairs and communications background.
Grose is a graduate of Hampton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications, and holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from the American College of Education. Her work has been recognized nationally and locally, including honors from Crain’s Cleveland Business and the Memphis Business Journal.
“As we continue strengthening how MSCS communicates with our employees, families, Board, community, and media partners, Candice brings a depth of communications experience and an organizational leadership perspective that will help us continue building trust, strengthening alignment, and telling the story of our students and schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Roderick F. Richmond. “We are excited to welcome her home to Memphis and to Team MSCS.”
