Dr. Jim Sutfin is the Superintendent of the Millard Public Schools and a national speaker who has dedicated his career to developing leaders so they can best impact students, faculty and staff. His work emphasizes the importance of leadership, culture building, overcoming adversity and maintaining a positive work-life balance.
Jim stepped into the role of superintendent for Millard Public Schools in the fall of 2014. Currently, he serves as the leader of a district of 35 schools with nearly 24,000 students and more than 3,000 teachers and staff members. Previously he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the district. Along with his time in the central office, he has also filled the roles of principal, assistant principal, science department head and science teacher. He began his teaching career in Bellevue, NE in 1989 and has been with Millard since 1995. Dr. Sutfin was named Nebraska Superintendent of the Year in 2020.
Dr. Sutfin has been involved in many initiatives locally and across the state. He co-led the city-wide movement on #BeKind, chaired the Nebraska Blue-Print K-12 Educational Task Force, and teaches educational leadership courses at the University of Nebraska.
Jim is a dynamic speaker who helps his audience think critically about topics while also sharing wisdom and humor that makes the audience feel empowered to lead change.
“Finding the Rhythm of Your Life”
Helping Leaders Develop Professional Resiliency in Their Educators
Individual and collective efficacy within a school are key components when cultivating a culture and climate where resiliency blossoms. During this past year, we have seen now more than ever the need to ensure school districts have the tools at hand to support the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of educators. This interactive presentation will provide school district leaders with a step-by-step process on how to build and sustain a culture and climate which promotes efficacy for all. Attendees will leave with readily available tools to help with cultivating, celebrating and checking in with educators to help ensure they move from doubt to empowerment.
“When Culture Meets a Crossroad”
School leaders work tirelessly to build culture with faculty and staff. Learn about action steps you can take to lead change while helping employees who continually demonstrate active disengagement. This presentation helps participants frame conversations which are needed to move the organization forward and simultaneously help the employee re-engage. Participants will leave with specific action steps that they can take to begin moving the needle on building school culture.
“Leadership Journey”
In this highly customizable presentation, Dr. Sutfin challenges leaders to think critically about change management, overcoming adversity and helping leaders help their staff develop work-life balance. Participants will leave feeling equipped to lead change and prepared to develop their staff.
“Dr. Jim Sutfin brings a rare combination of years of expertise leading educators in a highly diverse urban setting coupled with personal experiences guided by a strong moral compass, empathy for others, and unprecedented character. Jim’s innate ability to immediately build rapport with his audience will keep people engaged and on the edge of their seats. During Jim’s presentations be prepared to reflect critically, be grateful and celebrate abundantly, and leave energized to make a difference after making a new friend. I am grateful to be a colleague and friend to Dr. Sutfin, one of Nebraska’s most decorated and caring school leaders.”
Dr. Mark Adler, Superintendent, Ralston Public Schools
“Dr. Sutfin is an outstanding leader within the Omaha Metro Area and across the state of Nebraska. The 2020 Nebraska Superintendent of the year can engage teachers, school leaders, and business leaders through thoughtful conversations on topics such as growth mindset, critical conversations, developing a strong organizational culture, and leadership development. Jim is a highly energetic and passionate leader who will bring wisdom and humor to any topic. Through his leadership experiences, he will have the audience engaged from start to finish.”
Dr. Josh Field, Superintendent, Seward Public Schools
“Leadership certainly starts with one’s actions, but it is not just something you do; it is something you are. And that’s one of the reasons that good leaders have such a strong magnetism. People are attracted to who they are and what they represent. Dr. Sutfin lives this quote daily. I have seen him in action as a teacher, coach, and now as a fellow administrator, and he lives his leadership daily. It is not just a way of life with his job, but more importantly, it is ‘who he is as a person.’ This leadership and magnetism have been reflected in every avenue of his educational career. I and many others are better educators and people because of our connection to Dr. Sutfin.”
Mr. Kevin Young, Principal, Atkinson-West Holt High School
“With significant experience leading and motivating people, Dr. Jim Sutfin brings an unparalleled level of real world examples to his dynamic presentations. His ability to gauge the needs of an audience and to tailor his message to those needs makes him a valuable addition to the work of any organization. Positivity is among Jim’s highest strengths, so he is able to lead tough conversations designed to create change with energy and optimism. He makes you want to be a better teammate, a better employee, a better person!”
Dr. Heather Phipps, Associate Superintendent, Millard Public Schools
“I have known Dr. Jim Sutfin for almost 20 years and consider him both a colleague and a personal friend. During his tenure as superintendent, Millard has moved forward in several important areas including the successful passage of a facility bond referendum and levy override, the implementation of a District 1:1 technology initiative, and continued student achievement at the very highest levels. Dr. Sutfin exemplifies the term, ‘servant leader.’ He is highly intelligent, hardworking, and cares deeply about his students and community. Dr. Sutfin was recently named the Nebraska Superintendent of the Year, an award that he richly deserves. Jim is simply an outstanding leader, speaker, and motivator.”
Dr. Andy Rikli, Superintendent, Papillion-La Vista Community Schools
Omaha, Nebraska
