The Mississippi Association of School Administrators has announced former Brookhaven Superintendent of Education Dr. Lisa Karmacharya is the organization’s new executive director.

A press release from MASA said Karmacharya’s “extensive background as a successful education leader will be a great asset to the school administrators and the children of Mississippi.”

Karmacharya will begin her new duties immediately. She will initially serve with Anna P. Hurt, current executive director, who will retire Dec. 31, 2013.

Karmacharya, who had served as Brookhaven superintendent since 2011, left the position June 7 amid criticism of her leadership from various groups in the community.

Under the school board’s agreement with her, the district agreed to pay Karmacharya $125,000 with school district funds, and she voluntarily left her position, foregoing the two remaining years on her contract.

In the past, Karmacharya has also served as a director of curriculum and instruction, executive director of federal programs, staff development coordinator, Reading First coordinator, special education teacher, assistant principal and principal.

The MASA press release went on to say that the former superintendent’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education and her established relationships with Mississippi legislators and educational partners will be a boon to the administrative association.

“She has excellent connections with our education partners and is known for her collaborative leadership style and effective interpersonal and communication skills,” the release said.

Dr. Karmacharya holds a doctorate, as well as a specialist degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She also earned a master’s degree from Mississippi College and her bachelor’s from the University of Mississippi.

The Mississippi Association of School Administrators, established in 1932, is a consortium of 22 educational organizations, with a membership of approximately 400 educators and is affiliated with the American Association of School Administrators.