Dr. Jeff Sullivan Director of MCPS Athletics named 2025 Dr. Edward Shirley Award Winner

Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan Honored with the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision.

Montgomery County, MD – The Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) is proud to announce that Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, Director of the Department of Athletics, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision. This award recognizes an outstanding administrator within the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) system who demonstrates exemplary leadership and dedication to education.
Dr. Sullivan has exhibited exceptional leadership skills in purposeful leadership, systemwide leadership, human resources development, resource management, interpersonal skills, professional involvement, and community and stakeholder involvement. His commitment to fostering student success and advancing athletic programs has left a lasting impact on the MCPS community and the state of Maryland.

Dr. Sullivan began his career as a Physical Education teacher at Paint Branch High School, where he quickly demonstrated his passion for student development and leadership. He later served as the Athletic Director at Paint Branch and Clarksburg High Schools before joining the MCPS Athletics Unit in 2013. Since 2017, he has served as the Director of Athletics, overseeing and enhancing athletic programs across the district.
Under Dr. Sullivan’s leadership, MCPS athletics has grown to provide equitable opportunities for all student-athletes, promote sportsmanship and well-being, and ensure that athletics remain an integral part of the educational experience. His efforts to manage resources, engage the community, and foster professional development have strengthened the athletic programs and positively influenced students, coaches, and administrators.
“We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Sullivan’s outstanding leadership contributions to MCPS,” said Dr. Christine Handy, MCAAP President. “His unwavering commitment to student success, professional excellence, vision, and athletic leadership makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

MCAAP established the Dr. Edward Shirley Award to honor administrators who exemplify excellence in educational leadership, and Dr. Sullivan’s achievements embody the spirit of this award. His work has elevated the athletic experience for MCPS students and strengthened partnerships between schools and the broader community.
Please congratulate Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan on this well-deserved honor.