The Cherokee County School District is naming a longtime educator and administrator to be its new chief academic officer.

Nicole H. Holmes is to begin leading the district’s educational programs division July 1. Holmes currently is director of school operations, overseeing Cherokee elementary schools. Her appointment is subject to School Board approval.

“Dr. Holmes will bring to the role a deep understanding of best practices in classroom instruction and data analysis, as well as strong management, collaboration and communication skills,” said schools Superintendent Brian V. Hightower.

A former teacher in the Atlanta and Cobb County public schools, Holmes joined the Cherokee schools in 2002. She has served as assistant principal of Bascomb Elementary School and principal of Liberty Elementary School and in several administrator roles.

Holmes will succeed Susan McCarthy, who is retiring at the end of the school year. The position currently is referred to as “assistant superintendent,” but is changing July 1 with other senior staff titles to “chief.”