NEWS FLASH: PGCPS Announces CFO, Acting CAO Positions
July 1, 2026
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) is pleased to announce the appointments of Shavonne Smith as Chief Financial Officer and Dr. Jaime Bowers as Acting Chief Accountability Officer. Together, these experienced leaders will help strengthen the district's commitment to operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, accountability, and student success.
Shavonne Smith Named Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Smith brings more than 15 years of progressive financial leadership across the public, federal, and corporate sectors, with deep expertise in financial strategy, systemic transformation, capital allocation, long-term financial modeling, zero-base budgeting, ERP modernization, and audit readiness. During her service to PGCPS, she has helped steward an approximately $3 billion operating budget supporting more than 130,000 students and 20,000 employees while advancing fiscal alignment, compliance, transparency, and public trust.
As the district continues to implement its Forward by Design strategic vision, every investment must reflect a disciplined commitment to students, educators, families, and the community. Ms. Smith brings the urgency, precision, and strategic leadership needed to ensure that financial systems serve not only as instruments of sound governance, but also as drivers of equity, excellence, and transformational outcomes for every school and every student.
Dr. Jaime Bowers Named Acting Chief Accountability Officer
Dr. Bowers brings more than two decades of experience across Maryland's local school systems and the Maryland State Department of Education, with extensive expertise in accountability, assessment, data management, program evaluation, policy, professional development, and instructional leadership. Her career reflects a deep understanding of both the technical and human dimensions of accountability, ensuring that data are leveraged to inform continuous improvement, strengthen schools, and improve student outcomes.
Dr. Bowers currently serves as Director of Testing, Research and Evaluation for PGCPS, where she has led districtwide assessment programming, research and evaluation initiatives, accountability efforts, budget oversight, and collaboration with state and local partners. Her previous service as a Monitoring and Accountability Specialist with PGCPS and as a Branch Chief and Accountability Data Specialist at the Maryland State Department of Education positions her to provide experienced leadership during this transition.
As Acting Chief Accountability Officer, Dr. Bowers will provide continuity across the Office of Accountability, ensuring that critical assessment, research, reporting, and school improvement functions continue with clarity, urgency, and care. Her extensive knowledge of district systems, state accountability requirements, and cross-functional collaboration will support the district's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. Interviews for the permanent Chief Accountability Officer position will be conducted during the month of July.
PGCPS congratulates Ms. Smith and Dr. Bowers on their new leadership roles and looks forward to the expertise, collaboration, and vision they will bring in advancing the district's mission to provide every student with a high-quality education.
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