Modern Red consultants all lead double lives. In addition to coaching and training for MRSH, most are busy fulfilling other professional roles — often on a daily basis. Carmen Pough, one of several educators with the commitment to spend her leave time and vacation days in Modern Red schools, works full time as an Education Associate with the South Carolina Department of Education.

Recently promoted to a Team Leader position in the Office of School Quality in Columbia, SC, Ms. Pough works specifically with external review teams. In the event a school receives a failing report card, she says, “We train and send out a group of individuals who visit and determine where the school personnel might need support and make improvements. My team is the first link in the process.” This process involves making recommendations, creating and funding an action plan, and utilizing exemplary educators from across the state to ensure its implementation. Often there are critical choices to make, yet, Ms. Pough remains unruffled. “I simply remember that what we do is for the children,” she states. “We just do whatever we need to do for their success, and we will make the right decisions.” Her mantra is “to remain positive all the time.”

Perhaps it is that aura of positivism that characterizes Ms. Pough. Gloria Talley, MRSH colleague, puts it this way, “She exudes talent, is cool under pressure, has so much grace, and all the schools love her!” Ms. Pough is gifted in the art of making others comfortable while simultaneously guiding them toward solving uncomfortable dilemmas. She says that the talents needed for her South Carolina Department of Education position are the same as those vital to MRSH work, “You must be positive. You have to understand the school’s culture and work within that community. It is very important that administrators and teachers understand what our role is, and the best part of my job — either job — is working with different people and believing that I am effecting positive change.” She loves those breakthrough moments. “You can feel it — you can see it — when schools catch the fever to undertake change.”

Despite her dual careers, Ms. Pough finds time for friends and personal interests. Her reputation as the “Queen of Shopping” is well-deserved. If you find yourself lost in any city that is a Modern Red site, call Ms. Pough; she may not know your destination, but she can direct you to the nearest mall. She loves reading and will tell you there are two kinds of books: work-related, such as anything written by current favorite, Michael Fullan, and airplane reading, typified by James Patterson mystery novels. Ms. Pough is also a gardener and referred recently to some spring planting she is anxious to do, “I do love it! I am just waiting on the new moon, and then I will go wild.”

Phyllis Sanders, in the unique position of working with Carmen in Columbia and also as a Modern Red colleague, describes her as a genuine and very balanced person who loves people and makes them feel special. Dr. Sanders says, “Carmen has worked for SDE for over 20 years and is known for her integrity, kindness, and generosity. She gives her time and talent wherever needed without seeking notice and fanfare.”

Carmen Pough is a gracious lady who conveys equal portions of Southern charm and cutting-edge competence. It’s a powerful mixture.