Meet The Team

Kim Bearden - Cofounder, Executive Director, and Language Arts Teacher

Kim Bearden was selected from over 70,000 nominations to be honored as the Disney American Teacher Awards Outstanding Middle School Humanities Teacher. The Milken Family Foundation selected her as one of 155 teachers from across the nation to receive the Award for Excellence in Education, and she was chosen from among 7000 teachers as Teacher of the Year in Cobb County, Georgia. Ms. Bearden is a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2008, and she received the Phoenix Award from Mayor Shirley Franklin for her dedication to the education.  Kimberly is a former Finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year and the Phenomenal Woman of Character Award.  Over the past twenty-three years, she has been a teacher, instructional lead teacher, curriculum director, school board member, staff development trainer, and middle school principal.

Mehari Kassa - Director of Admissions

Mehari Kassa’s experience includes leadership development, operations management, market research, technology utilization, project management, and process improvement assignments for such companies as The Home Depot, General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, and Shell Chemical. Mr. Kassa has a degree in chemical engineering with a minor in business administration. His numerous awards include the Drexel GPA Alumni Merit, National Society of Black Engineer’s Torchbearer, UPS Minority Scholarship, being selected as one of Apex Society's 2008 Power 30 Under 30, and recognized  in the 2009 “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta” publication.  A graduate of the Lovett School and Drexel University, Mr. Kassa is a proud Atlanta native, recent newlywed and looks forward to building a family in his hometown.

 

 

 

Rosalyn Merrick - Director of Development

Prior to joining the RCA Family, Rosalyn was the Vice President of Major Gifts & Foundations at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.  During her ten year tenure with the organization, she worked closely with top national and local companies and community organizations to raise resources and awareness for metro Atlanta's top human care issues.  In 2009, Rosalyn Merrick was recognized as one of Apex Society's Power 30 Under 30.  Rosalyn graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgia State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism-Public Relations with a minor in French.  She is an Atlanta native and resides in Tucker with her husband and two sons.  In addition to spending time with her family and RCA, Rosalyn enjoys yoga, dancing, traveling and volunteering. 

 

 

Renita Mosley - Office Manager

Renita Mosley has been in Administrative Services for the past 26 years at Bellsouth and has an extensive background in Project Management, Executive Secretarial Support and Business Operations. Renita attended Arizona State University where she majored in Journalism/Public Relations. An Atlanta native, she is involved with numerous community organizations. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Fulton County Juvenile Court, she conducts a home-based adult literacy program, and she also teaches Junior Achievement classes. At the corporate level, Renita has spearheaded several programs to eradicate homelessness and teenage pregnancy, and she has developed mentorship programs to offset reading/writing deficiencies among elementary and middle school students. Renita has served as a BellSouth representative to the United Way, and she has also served as their Job Shadowing coordinator for their local high school program.

 

 

Kenneth Adams - Tutoring and Mentor Services

In May 2009, Mr. Adams received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a minor in African American Studies.   During his collegiate years, Adams was involved with UNC at Greensboro’s Student Activities Board, working in a Supervisor role for the campus Game Room. Mr. Adams is a former student of Ron Clark’s.  He has traveled to several places around the world with Clark including: South Africa, Costa Rica, Japan and England.  Adams was born in Oklahoma, and then moved to Aurora, North Carolina as a child.  His family still resides in Aurora.  

 

 

 

Joyce Estrada Bailey - Spanish Teacher

Joyce Estrada Bailey received her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Jones International University.  Over the past five years, she has taught eighth grade language arts and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.  She has a proven track record of increasing student performance in writing and reading.  Mrs. Estrada Bailey uses rigor, passion, and creativity to increase student engagement inside and outside of her classroom.  Integrating music and technology into the classroom are her favorite strategies to utilize during instruction.  She holds levels 1, 2, and 3 of IB Certification.

 

 

 

Susan Barnes - Language Arts and Reading Teacher

Susan Barnes has taught language arts, creative writing, and literacy in Brooklyn and Harlem since 1996.  She is a gifted staff development trainer, artist, singer and performance poet.

Driven by the philosophy that ‘language is art,’ she uses her love of the arts to create language experiences that illustrate how skilled expression conveys, explores and documents the human condition. This maxim takes center stage at the Writers’ Block Party, an event co-hosted by the mentors at Verbal Eyze to connect aspiring writers to the talented poets, musicians and artists who make up Atlanta’s Art Community.

The resolve to help young people discover their voice has led her to begin work on her first novel, a fiction work exploring the role of cultural identity in changing times.  She earned her B.A. in English from Stony brook University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College. 

 

 

Joey Barr - Finance Manager

Mr. Barr joined the RCA Family as a part-time employee on September 1, 2007. Mr. Barr handles the day-to-day accounting operations for the school including accounts payable, budgeting and payroll. Mr. Barr started his own firm, Barr Marketing, Inc. in 2004.  The firm is a managing agency for Ron Clark's books and merchandise sales. Prior to Barr Marketing, Mr. Barr worked 7 years in the finance industry with Regional Acceptance Corporation - a subsidiary of BB&T. Mr. Barr graduated from East Carolina University in 1997 with a BSBA in Finance. 

 

 

Junior Bernadin - Technology Manager

Junior Bernadin joined The Ron Clark Academy family in June of 2009.  Originally, from Miami, FL. Mr. Bernadin currently holds certifications as a Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, and Promethean Certified Installer.   In his role as Technology Manager, Mr. Bernadin provides all system support to the Academy as well as maintaining and managing all levels of technology integration within the school.  Mr. Bernadin is also working in the classroom, utilizing the award-winning Reading Plus Program.   Prior to RCA, Mr. Bernadin was a Technology Support Specialist for Handshake Software.

Mr. Bernadin is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers as well as the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineering.  He enjoys mentoring young people and volunteering his time with organizations including (but not limited to): The American Red Cross, YMCA, The Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network, Big Bend Cares, Kids Incorporated, and the Leon County Humane Society.  Mr. Bernadin currently resides in Atlanta.

 

 

 

Lazarus Bruner - Physical Education Instructor/Head Basketball Coach

Lazarus began volunteering at RCA in October of 2007. As he began to build relationships with the faculty, students, and parents, it became evident that he was called to serve the needs of this one-of-a-kind school. His desire grew to become an educator to help advance the dreams and goals of the students. With a background in high school and collegiate athletics, his vision was to use sports and physical education as a means to supplement students' academic education. As the physical education instructor, his goal is to engage students through challenging physical activities and fun games that promote a healthy mind, body, and a positive self-image.

Mr. Bruner is also the head coach of the boys basketball program. Along with the assistance of the other coaches, they designed a comprehensive program that stressed the importance of conditioning healthy habits that are beneficial to student/athletes. His mission as the head basketball coach is to develop high-performing student/athletes who are just as successful and talented academically as they are athletically.

His foundation is in his faith and his family, which is composed of his virtuous wife of 8 years and their 3 awesome children (2 boys and a girl). He holds a B.A. in Organizational Leadership and is soon planning on pursuing his master's degree.

 

 

Gina Coss - Social Studies/Science Teacher

Gina Coss began her career not with books and blackboards, but with stocks and bonds.  After graduation from the College of William and Mary, she had a challenging career with a Wall Street firm.  Though highly successful in the world of finance, she sought her passion and became what she felt she was meant to be: a teacher!  While earning advanced degrees, Mrs. Coss taught at Sedalia Park Charter Elementary School in Cobb County, Georgia.  Recognized as a Cobb County District Teacher of the Year, she was later honored to be a Georgia Teacher of the Year Finalist.  Mrs. Coss believes teaching is an art form meant to unleash students’ god-given creativity and imagination. Her students are empowered to view unfettered possibilities for themselves, their communities, and their world.  Mrs. Coss has traveled extensively and lived abroad, studied French, German and Italian, is a hack golfer and classical pianist.  She lives in Marietta, GA with her husband and two daughters. 

 

 

Adam Dovico -  School Implementation Specialist

Mr. Dovico is a National Board Certified teacher and holds a degree in education from Wake Forest University and a masters in education from Appalachian State University.  He taught in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina, before teaching several subjects at the Ron Clark Academy. Thousands of educators from around the world have observed Mr. Dovico in his classroom and participated in his interactive workshops. He has been recognized as the Teacher of the Year, a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund honoree, and the Teaching Tolerance grant recipient. He has also taught in the education department at Queens University to prospective teachers.

 

 

Sarah Hildebrand - Social Studies

Sarah Hildebrand is a graduate of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where she received her degree in Speech Communications.  She graduated with honors and was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society.  After working as a Sales Executive for Pitney-Bowes in Washington, D.C., Ms. Hildebrand went on to receive her teaching certification from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.  She was recognized as the 2007 district wide Rookie Teacher of the Year for the city of Suffolk, Virginia.  She has traveled throughout the world and lived in New Zealand while continuing her education at Auckland University.  Ms. Hildebrand believes in the saying “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn” and is continually pushing herself to be as innovative and creative in the classroom as possible.

 

 

 

Shanel Jones - Reading Teacher

Shanel Jones was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas and recently relocated to join the Ron Clark Academy as a reading teacher. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Texas with a degree in Education and has taught at the elementary and middle school levels. A former kindergarten and English as a Second Language teacher, she is committed to keeping learning exciting and fun for students of all ages. Mrs. Jones holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, EC-6 Generalist Certification, EC-12 English as a Second Language Certification, and Gifted and Talented Certification.

 

 

Valerie Jones - Mathematics Teacher

Dr. Jones was born in Naperville, IL but later traveled to Atlanta where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Spelman College.  She then taught high school mathematics for seven years in the Atlanta Public School system, where she was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2005/2006.  Dr. Jones graduated from Georgia State University with a Masters in Mathematics Education in 2003 and obtained her National Board Certification AYA Mathematics in 2006. While earning her Doctorate of Education degree in Mathematics from Teachers College Columbia University (2011), Dr. Jones gained experience working with elementary school children in mathematics. She has over 12 years experience teaching mathematics, over 5 years experience training teachers, and over 3 years experience in administration.  It is her goal to do whatever possible to help students develop analytical thinking abilities with a style that is both effective and fun, and dispel the fear that is commonly associated with mathematics.

 

 

Candice Jordan - Development Officer

Originally from metro Atlanta, Mrs.  Jordan is a 2005 graduate of Howard University.  During her undergraduate studies at Howard, she took advantage of many community service opportunities working with youth which sparked her interest in education.  After she graduated from Howard University with a degree in Marketing and worked professionally for two years, she decided to return to her home state and pursue a Masters degree in Public Administration at the University of Georgia. Specializing in Nonprofit Management and Local Government, she took advantage of various internships with nonprofit agencies and local government to expand her professional experience in the field. Currently, Mrs. Jordan manages all donor-related activities associated with the RCA Annual Fund.

 

 

Robyn Johnson - Educator Training Coordinator

Ms. Johnson joined the RCA family in November 2007. As a former police officer with Georgia State University and a former probation case manager with the state juvenile justice department, she has a host of experience working with young people. Most of Mrs. Johnson's time is spent scheduling and coordinating all teacher trainings and conferences. Ms. Johnson also manages various special projects for the school.  Ms. Johnson received her M.A. Ed. from Central Michigan University and her B.S. from Georgia State University.

Johnny Mills - Facilities Maintenance Manager

Mr. Mills is an integral part to day-to-day operations of the Academy. In his role, Mr. Mills makes sure the school building, its climate and the entire school campus is operating at top-notch. Mr. Mills also works closely with general contractors in managing RCA’s future building projects. Mr. Mills lives in metro-Atlanta with his wife and children.

 

 

Ken Townsel - Science Teacher

Mr. Townsel is an accomplished educator who has taught advanced placement physics, biology, chemistry, and earth science. Mr. Townsel is a former Teacher of the Year, Science Coordinator for DeKalb County Schools, and Science Coordinator for the Global Thinking Project, where he took students to St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia, to live and work with Russian students and teachers on environmental issues that have an impact of the earth.  Mr. Townsel obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College in 2000. Most recently Mr.Townsel has worked as a physical science instructor at the Fernbank Science Center.

 

Board of Trustees

Alonzo Llorens - President

Alonzo L. Llorens is a partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Mr. Llorens practices in Atlanta in the areas of securities, corporate, venture capital and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Llorens is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and the District of Columbia bar.  Mr. Llorens has extensive experience in securities law, including nearly eight years in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") Division of Corporation Finance. While at the SEC, Mr. Llorens handled a large number of transactions including initial public offerings, secondary offerings, proxy contests, mergers and acquisitions, and prepackaged bankruptcies. Additionally, he served on the SEC's Executive Compensation Task Force and the Small Business Task Force.  Mr. Llorens has served on the board of directors of several organizations, such as the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Business League. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Ron Clark Academy. Additionally, Mr. Llorens has been published as a co-author in the Bureau of National Affairs journal entitled Shareholder Proposals and was invited to write a chapter in Aspatore Publishing's book entitled Inside the Minds: Private Equity and Venture Capital Legal Series.  Mr. Llorens earned a Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law, where he served as Managing Editor of the Howard Law Journal. Mr. Llorens earned a Bachelor of Science in International Trade and Finance from Louisiana State University.

Rob Kight - Treasurer

Robert L. Kight is Vice President - Global HR Services & Labor Relations for
Delta Air Lines at its world headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mr. Kight began his Delta career as an analyst in 1985 and held
positions of increasing responsibility including Director – HR Europe based in
Frankfurt, Germany, Director – HR Services and was Managing Director – HR
for the 20,000 employee Operations division when he left Delta to pursue an
opportunity in the technology industry in early 2000. Mr. Kight returned to
Delta July 2004 as Managing Director – Worldwide Benefits & Health
Resources and was promoted to the officer level March 1, 2005 when he took
on global compensation responsibilities as well.

In his current role, his responsibilities include the strategic alignment,
development, and delivery of all of Delta's global compensation, and benefit
programs including its human resources information systems and service
delivery functions. In addition he is responsible for Delta’s labor relations
and provides oversight for its equal opportunity, staffing, and occupational
health functions.

Mr. Kight graduated from Duke University, cum laude, with a BA
degree in English Literature and History. Mr. Kight is a member of the Board
of Trustees of the Ron Clark Academy and a member of the Board of the
American Benefits Council. He is also a graduate of the 2011 class of
Leadership Atlanta.

Dianne Bernez

Dianne Bernez is Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications for Equifax Inc.  She joined the company in September 2006, and leads the planning and execution of marketing communications, Brand management, employee communications, event management, and PR/media relations related to the implementation of business strategy, M&A, issues management, and community affairs activation. Additionally, she is a member of the company's Business Advisory Council on employee matters. Dianne is active in the community and is currently serving as a judge for the Better Business Bureau's 2010 high school Student of Integrity essay contest on 'Trust in Business and Our Community.'  She is also a returning Vice Chair for the 2010 Metro Atlanta Chamber's capital campaign committee; and is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Atlanta.

Mindy Jones

Stephen MacDonald

Stephen MacDonald is a biotechnology business strategy consultant, and has devoted much of his career to developing patent strategy, and performing diligence for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.   Stephen obtained a PhD in neuroscience for research in stem cell biology from the University of Manitoba, a post-doctoral fellowship at Emory University, and an MBA from Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business.  He is the founder and past-chair of GeorgiaBIO's Emerging Leaders Network -- the young professionals division of the Georgia's life sciences industry organization, and was awarded GeorgiaBIO's Emerging Leader of the Year award in 2008.  Stephen also regularly guest lectures at Emory University on patent law in biotechnology, and since 2009 has been a judge for the Sanofi-Aventis BIOGene-ius international high school science fair competition.

Education:

M.B.A., Emory University

B.S. in Math, The University of the South

B.S. in Civil Engineering, Georgia Tech

Affiliations:

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Board of Trustees, Ron Clark Academy

Past President and Advisory Council, NAIOP

John Robbins

John Robbins is Managing Director for Granite Properties, serving as City leader for the company’s Atlanta operations.  Since joining the firm in 2010, John has grown Granite’s presence in Atlanta by acquiring 650,000 square feet of office buildings valued at more than $75 million.  Prior to his current position, John served as Managing Principal for Sage Realty Partners, with a focus on acquiring real estate investment and development opportunities across broad product classes.  Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President for Shailendra Group, with overall responsibility for their development efforts.  He also had an eleven-year career at Hines where he led complex development projects ranging from a large mixed-use land development in North Fulton, Georgia, to 1180 Peachtree, a 670,000 RSF office tower in Midtown Atlanta.  He also led the acquisition and asset management of One Atlantic Center, a 1.1 million square foot office tower in Midtown Atlanta.  John began his business career with Wachovia Bank in the real estate finance group.

John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1989 and a Masters in Business Administration in 1996 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

John has served on the NAIOP Georgia board of directors since 2008, including as President in 2012.  John also is a board member of the Council for Quality Growth and the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors.  He serves on the Advisory Council for the Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of North Carolina and is the national President for the Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Real Estate Alumni Club.  For the past five years, he and his wife, Jae, have volunteered for Feed the Homeless Project, Inc. here in Atlanta.  Jae and John have two boys, Thomas and Boone.

Scott Selig

Scott Selig, Vice President of Selig Enterprises, graduated in 1993 from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate. He attained his MBA from the University of Georgia in Real Estate and Strategic Management. Scott also received his CCIM designation in June 2002.

Scott works in all facets of Selig Enterprises, Inc. including office, industrial, and retail leasing as well as acquisition and development. Scott has been employed with Selig since 2000.

Bob Williams

Bob Williams is president of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and president of Philips Arena. As Atlanta Hawks President, Williams has oversight of the franchise’s business operations.  As president of Philips Arena he oversees all operations as well as the venue’s in-house concert and entertainment promotions company. 

Williams was a member of the executive committee to oversee the design and construction of Philips Arena. Previously, he was a 22-year employee of The Omni Coliseum and the Atlanta Hawks.  He was The Omni’s president beginning in 1994 until it was imploded in 1997.

Williams holds board positions with the Georgia Alliance for Children, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), the Atlanta Sports Council, and Central Atlanta Progress, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. 

In addition, Williams was made Honorary First Sergeant of Fort Benning's Charlie and Delta Companies of the 30^th AG Infantry.  Bob was recognized for developing a program of hosting injured soldiers, soldiers preparing for assignment to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Airborne Rangers and their families at Hawks home games and various other Philips arena events.

Williams is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Jeff Anderson

Jeff Anderson, Audio Enhancement President and CEO, has been with the company since 1993.  Mr. Anderson is a noted advocate of the advancement of education and the changing of classroom learning environments.  His mission to demonstrate the fundamental necessity of audio enhanced classrooms is evident in his dedication to creating and designing innovative technology.  He is the co-creator and patent-holder of the world’s first infrared wireless audio enhancement system.  This system perfectly fits into today’s modern classroom by being fully integrated with any additional multimedia sources.  Through Mr. Anderson’s leadership, Audio Enhancement has grown into the worldwide leader in classroom amplification. Mr. Anderson received his bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business and Spanish from Brigham Young University. 

Ann Wilson Cramer

Ann Wilson Cramer is Director of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs for the Americas at IBM. In support of IBM’s primary focus areas, Ms. Cramer currently serves as past chair of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE); chairs Communities in Schools—Georgia, the Georgia Chamber’s Education Committee, and the WorldClass Schools Foundation; and is on the board of Metro Atlanta Chamber Education Committee and Project GRAD. Ms. Cramer chairs the Council on Foundations Corporate Committee and represents IBM on the United Way of America’s National Corporate Leaders Council, the Center for Corporate Citizenship Advisory Board at Boston College, and the Southeastern Council on Foundations Communications Committee. She is past chair of the United Way of Metro—Atlanta, Research Atlanta, and the Arts and Business Council of Atlanta.

Mathew Dutkiewicz

Mathew T. Dutkiewicz is an Executive Vice President with Great American Financial Resources. For more than 20 years, Mat has worked in various capacities in the financial services industry, including Marketing, Sales Distribution, Operations and Plan Administration. He thrives in the industry because he enjoys helping people be successful in their retirement years. Mat serves on several industry committees, including LIMRA (formerly the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association), Distribution Leadership Roundtable, the National Rural Education Association Executive Committee and the Association of Education Service Agencies Partners Committee. Prior to his career in the financial services industry, Mat served in United States Marine Corps and studied to receive his bachelor’s of business administration from Franklin University. He has been married to his wife Karin for more than 20 years. of Metro—Atlanta, Research Atlanta, and the Arts and Business Council of Atlanta.

Scarlet Pressley-Brown

Scarlet Pressley-Brown is General Manager of Community Affairs at Delta Air Lines and Vice President of the Delta Air Lines Foundation. Joining Delta in June 2000, she has managed Delta’s presence in the community, establishing the company as a leading corporate citizen. Prior to Delta, Ms. Pressley-Brown spent six years with the East Lake Community Foundation as director of Community Affairs successfully restoring and revitalizing the historic East Lake Golf Course community. The restoration included the establishment and opening of Drew Charter School, Atlanta’s first Charter School.

Ms. Pressley-Brown has received numerous awards: the “Outstanding Georgia Citizen” Award presented by the Secretary of State, the Atlanta Business League named Mrs. Pressley-Brown one of “Atlanta’s Top Black Women of Influence” in 2006 and 2007, and the “High Heels in High Places Award presented by the Trumpet Awards Foundation . In February 2006, the Atlanta Tribune featured Scarlet and husband, Wendell, as one of Atlanta’s “Power Couples” and the Atlanta Urban League Guild recognized them with the “Transportation Achievement” Award.

Ms. Pressley-Brown received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta and her MBA from University of Phoenix. She is on the board of directors for the Atlanta Business League, the Georgia Center for Children, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Atlanta Medical Association. She is a member of the National Black MBA Association, the Clark Atlanta Guild, the American Institute for Managing Diversity, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Scarlet and Wendell have five children and two sons-in-law: Wendell, Jr., April Partridge (Kenya), Amber French (Jason), Kiesha and Dexter.

Laura Turner Seydel

Laura Turner Seydel is a Trustee of the Turner Foundation, a private family environmental grantmaking foundation created in 1990. In her capacity as Trustee, Laura is involved in all aspects of the Foundation’s operations, from reviewing funding requests and establishing policy to identifying funding priorities and overseeing special initiatives. Laura is also a Trustee of the Jane Smith Turner Foundation, a private family grantmaking foundation, whose funding priorities include the arts, children’s health and education and the environment. A Georgia native, born in Macon, Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ogelthorpe University. In 2001, Laura became Chairman of the Board for the Captain Planet Foundation. The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to fund and support hands-on environmental projects for children and youth. It encourages innovative programs that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Laura resides in Atlanta with her husband, Rutherford and their three children, John R, Vasser, and Laura Elizabeth.

Betty L. Siegel, Ph.D.

Dr. Betty Siegel, Distinguished Chair of the Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics & Character and President Emeritus at Kennesaw State University, was the first woman to head an institution in the 35-unit University System of Georgia and the longest serving woman president of a public university in the nation. She was President of Kennesaw State from 1981-2006. Under her administration Kennesaw State grew from 4000 students with 15 baccalaureate degree programs to an 18,000 student University with 55 baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. Dr. Siegel is a long-time member and former chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and she also served on the Commission on Women in Higher Education.  Because of her strong commitment to servant leadership and community service, Dr. Siegel continues an active presence on numerous boards of corporate, non-profit and community organizations.

Since her retirement from the presidency at Kennesaw State University, Dr. Siegel has implemented many global initiatives that have taken her worldwide to spread the message of leadership, ethics and character. The signature program of Dr. Betty Siegel and her colleague, Dr. John Knapp, is The Oxford Conclave on Global Ethics, an initiative in higher education launched in 2005. The Conclave serves as a catalyst for a movement to renew higher education's commitment to the development of ethical leadership, and to explore its role as a change agent for social responsibility. As a visiting scholar, Dr. Siegel spent three months in 2007 at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, developing new programs for leadership development and expansion.  She returns each year to Stellenbosch to work with students, faculty and staff and with other universities throughout South Africa. 

Dr. Betty L. Siegel continues to serve, lead, and inspire with the same passion she had as President of Kennesaw State University. President Emeritus Siegel has the Distinguished Chair for Leadership, Ethics and Character. She is actively pursuing new initiatives and enhancing current global initiatives for ethical and invitational leadership and just recently launched a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation for global ethical leadership.

As an international motivational speaker on ethics, leadership, character education, and the concerns of women, she has delivered keynote addresses at hundreds of national, regional and state conferences throughout 50 states, Puerto Rico, and eleven (11) foreign countries. Dr. Siegel has also served as a consultant and advisor to educational, business, not-for-profit organizations, health services, government and civic groups. 

Dr. Betty Siegel and her husband Joel have two sons, both of whom are professors, three grandsons and new twin granddaughters.

Matt Winston

Matthew M. Winston Jr. has served as Assistant to the President at the University of Georgia since October 2000. He oversees staff issues, student issues, athletics, auxiliary services and diversity issues for the president's office, serving as an adviser and speechwriter for UGA President Michael F. Adams in these areas. Prior to joining the president's staff, Winston was the news bureau manager in UGA’s University Communications office. Winston served as the Acting Director for UGA’s Office of Institutional Diversity from 2005 – 2006.  Before coming to UGA, he spent eight years directing the news bureau at Virginia Tech, where he earned a bachelor of science in marketing management in 1990.

Winston is currently a member of the International Board of Trustees for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and he served as a member of that organization's Commission for Communications and Marketing from 2009-2011.  He also is a member of the CASE District III Board of Directors where he has served in a variety of roles including Secretary and Communications and Marketing Program Chair.

Winston currently serves as vice president of the board of directors of both Virginia Tech Alumni Association and the Southern Regional Council, and he is a member of the Ron Clark Academy Advisory Board and the Athens-Clarke County Chamber of Commerce Board.   He previously served on the Clarke County Mentor Program and LEAD Athens steering committees, the Clarke County Board of Education Multicultural Task Force, the University Relations committee of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, and the Clarke County Neighborhood Relations Roundtable. He is also a member of the Delta Psi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.