Get to Know the Leadership Team
USDB Interim Superintendent
Superintendent Molly Hart was appointed by the Utah State Board of Education as the Interim Superintendent for USDB in August 2025. Dr. Hart is additionally the Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Previously, Dr. Hart was the Executive Director of Summit Academy and has more than 20 years of experience in education, serving in roles from teacher to principal across multiple states and grade levels. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University and has been honored with the Utah PTA Outstanding School Administrator Award. Dr. Hart is a strong advocate for student achievement and community engagement.
USDB Interim Superintendent
Darin Nielsen began his career in education as a school counselor at Teton High School after graduating from Utah State University. The following year, he started a 22-year professional relationship with Box Elder School District where he fulfilled assignments as a school counselor, elementary principal, CTE/secondary curriculum specialist, director of technology, assessment/professional development director, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. In October 2017, he was hired as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning by the Utah State Board of Education where he provides leadership for the Teaching & Learning, Career & Technology Education, and Assessment & Accountability teams. Since joining the Utah State Board of Education, he has overseen the adoption of two new state assessment systems, the development of a strategic assessment plan, is leading efforts to redesign Utah’s school accountability system, and development of the Utah Consolidated Improvement Planning tool. In September 2025, Darin was given the opportunity to move the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind where he brings over 20 years of educational leadership expertise.
Michelle Tanner, Ed.D.
Associate Superintendent, Utah School for the Deaf
Dr. Michelle Tanner has been a professional in the field of Deaf Education for almost 30 years. Most of those years she spent in the classroom as an educator of the deaf. She has since occupied the role of principal and is currently the Superintendent of the Deaf at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB). During that time she has been a tireless advocate for teachers and students in a variety of leadership roles; including the President of the USDB Educator Association and was a teacher representative on the USDB Advisory Council for many years. Recent accomplishments have included establishing a Deaf Education license in the State of Utah, leading the LEAD-K Utah team, strengthening transition services for deaf students in Utah, starting the first online deaf education program in the nation, creating the USD Portrait of a Graduate, and promoting unification between all programs of the deaf regardless of modality. She is currently collaborating with the State to create a Deaf Education program that leads to licensure in Deaf Education for the State of Utah. Her doctorate degree focused on the regression and recruitment in leadership positions at schools for the deaf which included a study of the critical shortages of educators. (Video Bio)
Susan Patten
Associate Superintendent, Utah School for the Blind
Associate Superintendent, Utah School for the Blind
Susan Patten is an accomplished educator with over 30 years of dedicated experience in the field of education. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions in various roles, including paraeducator, Deafblind intervener, teacher of the Deafblind, and Educational Director for Deafblind services. Since July 2020, she has served as the Associate Superintendent for the Utah School for the Blind. Through her leadership and dedication, Susan continues to make a profound impact on the lives of students, families, and the broader educational community. Her ongoing focus remains on student growth, community engagement, and fostering environments where all students can thrive. (Full Bio)
Dwight Overgaard
Director of Operations
Bio coming soon
Michael Barnes
Human Resources
Bio coming soon