Fort Smith Public Schools Celebrates the Retirement of Zena Featherston Marshall, Executive Director of Community and Business Partnerships, After 32 Years of Dedicated Service
Fort Smith Public Schools Celebrates the Retirement of Zena Featherston Marshall, Executive Director of Community and Business Partnerships, After 32 Years of Dedicated Service
After an extraordinary 32-year career with Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS), Zena Featherston Marshall, Executive Director of Community and Business Partnerships, has retired. Her legacy of leadership, community engagement, and dedication to fostering meaningful relationships between the district and the community will leave an impactful mark on FSPS.
“We are immensely grateful for the legacy of Zena Featherston Marshall and what she has meant to the FSPS family. We wish her nothing but the best in retirement and hope to see her along the way. We appreciate her helping FSPS believe, belong, and become,” said Allan Marshall, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer.
Zena, who grew up in Fort Smith, began her professional journey working with the Department of the Army in Stuttgart, Germany. She returned home and joined FSPS as a Communications Specialist, working under Norma Schaffer, the district's first Partners in Education Coordinator. Over the years, Zena has held various leadership roles, including communications coordinator, communications director, and executive director of community and business partnerships.
Throughout her career, Zena worked closely with influential mentors such as Cathy Williams and Dr. Gooden, whose guidance helped shape her impactful leadership style. Her dedication to building strong community partnerships became a hallmark of her tenure, fostering collaboration between local businesses, educators, and families.
Reflecting on her time with FSPS, Zena expressed gratitude for the relationships she built and the stories she was privileged to share. She emphasized the importance of teamwork in education and highlighted the success stories of former FSPS students who now serve as leaders in the community.
"Fort Smith Public Schools has been more than just a workplace—it's been a home. I've had the honor of working alongside incredible educators, administrators, and community leaders to create opportunities for students to thrive," Zena shared.
Zena's contributions have played a pivotal role in strengthening community ties and creating lasting partnerships that will benefit FSPS students for generations. Thanks, Zena!