Brian Banks
Superintendent / CAO
Dr. Brian Banks has dedicated his life to improving systems and uplifting communities. His commitment to making a difference in public education and criminal justice reform is deeply rooted in his own challenging experiences within these systems. These experiences have shaped him into a passionate advocate for greater access to quality public education and a mentor for youth in need of support and guidance.
As an educator, author, civil servant, and entrepreneur, Dr. Banks exercises transformative leadership to drive positive change in public education, advocacy, criminal justice, and political sectors. Currently, he serves as the Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for MacDowell Preparatory Academy, a K-8 public charter school that serves nearly 400 children in the heart of Detroit’s northwest side. In this role, Dr. Banks channels the disadvantages he faced as a Black male growing up in Detroit to create systems of accountability that foster excellent academic outcomes for students, provide a dynamic teaching experience for faculty, and build strong relationships among families and communities.
Having grown up in a low-income, single-parent household, Dr. Banks is acutely aware of the difficult choices facing today’s youth. He intimately understands what it means to live in an environment that may not be conducive to learning and growth. However, these experiences have shaped his character and fueled his passion for making a positive difference in the lives of youth and their families facing similar challenges.
In his book, It Had 2 Happen: The Agony of Success, Dr. Banks recounts his “Revelation Day,” a pivotal moment when he stood before an Oakland County Circuit Court judge who recognized his potential and encouraged him to contribute positively to his community. This moment became the catalyst for his journey toward influencing and educating those around him.
Following the judge’s advice, Dr. Banks began advocating for his community and established himself as a champion for those needing a voice in the political and civic process. On November 6, 2012, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where he was later appointed by his peers to serve as Chair of the Detroit Caucus. During his time in the legislature, Dr. Banks earned a reputation for being accessible and responsive to the needs of his constituents, serving three terms and advocating for equitable funding for public schools. He championed initiatives that promoted student access to quality education and college readiness programs, regardless of where they lived.
Dr. Banks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership & Administration from Wayne State University. He earned a Juris Doctor with a Concentration in Criminal Law from Michigan State University College of Law and a PhD in Public Policy & Administration from Walden University.
A devoted mentor for teens and young adults, Dr. Banks is committed to using his lived experiences to support young people in navigating challenges and overcoming obstacles. He is frequently invited to serve as a keynote speaker at youth services, college-bound workshops, education panels, second chance programs, criminal justice reform seminars, and more.