NN4DA Staff
ALEX MEDLER, PH.D. - FOUNDER
Executive Director
Alex Medler is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Network for District Authorizing. He previously served as Executive Director of the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers (CACSA) and Chair of the NN4DA Governing Council. His leadership spans national policy, research, and technical assistance roles with organizations including NACSA, the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program, and the Education Commission of the States.
He has served on multiple boards, including NACSA and the Center for Learner Equity, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boulder Valley School District. Medler holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder.
MELISSA BRADY
Operations Coordinator
Melissa Brady has more than 20 years of experience in public education in both charter and district schools. Her experience extends from the classroom to district administration. As an administrator, Melissa served as the Director of Charter Schools for Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) in Florida where she oversaw 30 charter schools and more than 15,000 students. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) and was a founding board member and former treasurer of the board for the National Network for District Authorizing (NN4DA).
VANESSA GLENN
Project Coordinator
Vanessa Glenn has supported the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers (CACSA) since 2021 and serves as Project Coordinator for the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA), providing technical assistance, developing resources, and supporting executive leadership. She also supports the National Network for District Authorizing (NN4DA) with web content and event coordination.
She began her work in public education with Polk County Public Schools, where she managed charter application, renewal, and oversight processes for over 30 schools. Vanessa previously served as FACSA Board Treasurer and holds an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Polk State College.
BRIANA HATCHER
Program Assistant
Briana, a West Palm Beach native, holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida A&M University. She has served in educational and service roles as an assistant teacher, assistant director, and program assistant, including work supporting veterans with U.S. VETS. She currently serves as a Program Assistant with the National Network for District Authorizing (NN4DA).