celebrating 10 years of service to the community

Dr. John B. Gordon III is the Superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools and has more than 25 years of experience in public education in both Maryland and Virginia. He has worked as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, director of administrative services, and chief of schools. 

Dr. John B. Gordon III earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1995, his master’s degree with a concentration in social studies from the University of Virginia in 2000, a post-master's certificate in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech in 2012.

Alfred S. Chandler, Jr. is a native of Portsmouth, VA and graduate of Manor High School.  Following high school, Mr. Chandler’s commitment to serving his country led him to join the Virginia Army National Guard and the United States Army.  His military service included a deployment following the tragic events of 9/11, as part of Operation Noble Eagle.  

Determined to continue serving his community, Mr. Chandler embarked on a career in law enforcement with the Suffolk Police Department in 1999, ultimately retiring as the Police Chief in 2023.  Mr. Chandler is deeply involved in the community.  He serves as the Site Pastor of Zion Community Church on Kecoughtan Road in the City of Hampton, embracing the mission of being “the perfect church for those who aren’t.”  Mr. Chandler is a mental health counselor, offering vital support to those in need and an active and proud member of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., exemplifying his commitment to community and fraternity values.  

Mr. Chandler has a deep passion for music which began at Waters Middle School where he wrote his first piece of music for a small ensemble in the 7th grade.  He continued his pursuit of musical excellence at Elizabeth City State University, majoring in Music Education.

Alfred cherishes his role as the loving husband of his wife Tisa, and takes immense pride in being the father of five children: Elliot, Earon, Eric, Alisa, and Jayla. 

Ms. Ingram is the epitome of a community leader.  She is an exceptional math teacher at Kings Fork Middle School who excels in classroom management and cultivates connections with her students.  She empowers her students to express their mathematical thoughts through hands-on activities.  She is a role model for her students, modeling virtues like integrity, respect, and good citizenship. Ms. Ingram also serves as a teacher leader.  Her role as a teacher leader shines through as she guides professional learning communities for her team.   Ms. Ingram is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Alpha Delta Kappa, an organization for women educators building educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. She has been in the trenches and understands the needs of her students, teachers, and the community as a whole.

Ms. Ingram's service to her community exemplifies a spirit of community and leadership.  She will accept the Community Leadership Award during our Tenth Annual MLK Day of Service Event.