Fulton County School System Archives

Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools, on Resilience

August 25, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools, on Resilience

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Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 892)

Mercedez Jackson from the Fulton County Schools Social Services Department joined host John Ray live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit to share her insights from her keynote address at the event on building resilience in the face of fear and stress.

Mercedez discussed the importance of self-awareness, naming and normalizing our fears, and recognizing how stress manifests differently for each person. She explained the continuum of mental health, ranging from excelling to crisis, and emphasized how awareness and intentional strategies, such as asking for help, delegating, or pausing before responding, can help individuals move toward thriving.

Her encouragement to “sit in the uncomfortable space” and remember that feelings pass provided the audience with both practical tools and hope. Mercedez also underscored the power of empathy and honest communication in relationships at home and at work.

Mercedez reminds us that resilience is not about avoiding hardship but choosing to move forward with courage, self-reflection, and the right support.

This interview was originally broadcast live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit held on August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia. John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio were the Media Sponsors for this year’s Summit.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women in Leadership Summit
00:56 Introducing Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools
01:16 Understanding Resilience and Fear
03:37 Self-Awareness and Stress Management
06:19 The Mental Health Continuum
08:24 Encouragement and Intentional Living
10:40 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools

Mercedez Jackson is Coordinator of School Social Work Services at Fulton County Schools.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) is the fourth largest school system in Georgia, serving a diverse and geographically expansive area outside the City of Atlanta. It operates 102 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools; startup charter schools; and a virtual school, with a projected enrollment of about 86,000 students for the 2025-26 school year. Founded in 1871, the system employs over 10,900 staff, including 6,200 certified personnel, and is known for its commitment to student achievement, continuous improvement, and community engagement. The district uniquely spans both the northern and southern parts of Fulton County, separated physically by the City of Atlanta’s own school system, and focuses on providing a well-rounded education while fostering a safe and efficient learning environment.

Connect with Mercedez on LinkedIn

2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

The 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit was held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The mission of BOLD—Businesswomen Organizing for Leadership and Development—is to connect businesswomen to build outstanding networks and spheres of influence, to collaborate with each other and with partner organizations to develop their businesses, and to celebrate and recognize the women of North Fulton.

Website

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Connect with GNFCC: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 890 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio* and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

If you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you would rather not make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, these professionals are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

The Effect of North Fulton’s Housing Crisis on Education, with Dr. Gonzalo La Cava, Fulton County Schools, and Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School

October 15, 2024 by John Ray

The Effect of North Fulton's Housing Crisis on Education, with Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School and Dr. Gustavo La Cava, Fulton County Schools, on the North Fulton Voices podcast

North Fulton Studio

The Effect of North Fulton's Housing Crisis on Education, with Dr. Gonzalo La Cava, Fulton County Schools, and Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School

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The Effect of North Fulton’s Housing Crisis on Education, with Dr. Gonzalo La Cava, Fulton County Schools, and Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School (North Fulton Voices, Episode 5)

In this episode of North Fulton Voices, Jack Murphy and Kathy Swahn from the North Fulton Improvement Network welcome education leaders Dr. Steven Palmer from The Cottage School and Dr. Gonzalo La Cava from the Fulton County School System. The conversation focuses on housing affordability challenges in North Fulton and their effects on education. They explore the rise in homelessness among students, difficulties in recruiting and retaining teachers, and innovative housing solutions. The discussion includes strategies such as the “Level Up Fulton” initiative, public-private partnerships, and unique housing solutions successfully utilized elsewhere. Insights on the impacts of demographic changes, enrollment trends, and community engagement are provided, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive planning and involvement from various community members and policymakers to support affordable middle income housing and retain quality educators.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Dr. Gonzalo La Cava, Fulton County School System

Dr. Gonzalo La Cava is a seasoned education professional currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Fulton County Schools in the Atlanta area, a position he has held since 2022. With over 27 years of experience in education, Gonzalo has built a career focused on driving transformational change in challenging school systems. His professional journey includes roles such as Chief of Human Resources at the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, and Area Superintendent for Fulton County Schools’ Central Learning Community. He began his career as a special education teacher.

Known for his ability to tackle challenging situations and implement lasting positive changes, Gonzalo describes himself as a “second order change” leader. He is capable of identifying root causes of systemic issues and creating wide-reaching solutions. His approach is characterized by embracing chaos and complexity, data-driven decision making, a focus on employee recognition and appreciation, and creating holistic career pathways for educators. Gonzalo holds an Ed.D. and is an alumnus of the University of Central Florida.

Gonzalo’s personal experiences as an immigrant from Uruguay inform his leadership style. Having arrived in the United States as a young boy, his early experiences as an English as a Second Language student in Miami-Dade County schools have driven his commitment to creating inclusive educational environments. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Gonzalo considers his language skills an asset in his work. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for extending opportunities for excellent education to all students, particularly those from underserved communities.

Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School

Dr. Steven Palmer is the Head of School for The Cottage School in Roswell, GA.

Steve’s professional experience includes serving at every level: teacher, principal, Executive Director and Superintendent. Prior to joining The Cottage School, Steve was Superintendent in Michigan. Steve led major efforts resulting in increased student achievement and significant improvements in teaching, learning and school status. His central work focused on enhancing the educational culture with “Best Practices” and ensuring that all high school graduates were prepared for college and careers.

Under his leadership, Steve’s high school received national recognition from U.S. News and World Report as one of “America’s Best High Schools.” Steve previously served as CEO and founder of a state-of-the-art aviation high school for the Dick DeVos Foundation. He has also served as Principal of three special education K–8 schools with 600 students with learning differences.

In addition, Steve has been a national presenter on various special education topics and educational “Best Practices”. A member of numerous national, state, and local boards, Steve has participated with national agencies and associations to reform special education.

Steve’s academic background includes a Doctorate in Education, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Counseling, a Bachelor of Science in Education, a minor in Business, and Certifications from various states in Special Education and Educational Leadership.

Some of his accolades include: Dr. Landis Special Education Administrator of the Year, S.T.A.R. Administrator of the Year, Tandy Scholars Outstanding Teacher, Teacher of the Year, South Lake High School, 1 of 3 finalists for the Lake County Teacher of the Year, Educator of the Year Finalist Branch County Michigan, Disney’s Teacher of the Year Finalist, South Lake High School Teacher of the Year, Radio Shack Outstanding Teacher, Clermont Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year, presented Key to the city of Orlando Florida, and North Fulton Chamber Non-for-Profit Leader of the Year.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:48 Discussing the Housing Crisis
02:46 Expert Insights on Education and Housing
04:54 Challenges in Teacher Retention
08:17 Innovative Solutions for Teacher Retention
13:26 Exploring Housing Solutions for Teachers
16:17 Supporting First Responders with Housing Supplements
17:48 Analyzing Employee Living Patterns
18:25 Teacher Retention and Compensation
19:40 Strategic Planning for School Expansion
21:36 Addressing Declining Enrollment
25:54 Engaging Teachers in Housing Solutions
30:04 Community Involvement in Housing Plans
31:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia — Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs — and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Kathy Swahn

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six-city bustling suburban community. Her history has been characterized by a focus on children: she was a stay-at-home mother who raised two daughters, she spent years in leadership roles in school PTAs and Girl Scouts, the National Charity League, the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and she served as chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their Holiday Program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3 million capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

After having the opportunity to join in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4 million.

Kathy continues to serve The Drake House on the Advocacy Committee, along with her work for NFIN.

She spends much of her time traveling to the Washington, D.C., area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

About North Fulton Voices

While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own podcast using The Generosity Mindset™ Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Website | LinkedIn

A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

November 15, 2022 by John Ray

All Things Fulton County Schools with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

North Fulton Studio

A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

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A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 81)

Fulton County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mike Looney joined host Kali Boatright to discuss school safety, redistricting changes, retaining and recruiting teachers, changes to the school board, preparing students for the future, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Fulton County Schools

Fulton County Schools is the fourth largest school system in Georgia with nearly 11,000 full- and part-time employees, and nearly 7,000 teachers and other certified personnel spread out throughout the county. These incredible individuals support nearly 90,000 students this year who are attending classes in 59 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 19 high schools, 10 start-up charter organizations, and 1 full-time virtual school.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent, Fulton County Schools

Dr. Mike Looney has served as the Superintendent for the Fulton County School District (FCS) in Georgia since June 2019. In the middle of his first year on the job, he became the first school leader in the state to be faced with reacting to the unknown – a confirmed, positive case of COVID-19. He immediately jumped into action, calling upon his 28 years as an educator, 15 years of previous experience as a school superintendent in Tennessee and Alabama, as a retired marine, father and community leader to guide the district through two years of COVID-19 protocols and safety measures, all while maintaining a focus on the mission of educating students.

Despite the pandemic, his goals remained consistent. He continued with a focused set of key priorities including dropout prevention, literacy for all, CTAE expansion, STEAM programs, middle school reform, leadership development, and solid financial management. He also led the development of the Bridge to Success plan, the district’s three-year comprehensive strategy and transformational investment to help students recover from learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure student achievement, growth and success.

As the superintendent of the AAA-rated school district, Looney is passionate about ensuring academic excellence and paving the way to post-graduate success for the district’s more than 89,000 students who attend 108 schools. He is deeply committed to the school board’s mission to educate every student to be a responsible, productive citizen.

Beginning his educational career as a substitute teacher, while working on an MBA, Looney rose to becoming an award-winning national speaker on education, including being named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year in 2015. Dr. Looney received his Educational Specialist degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama and his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and master’s degree in Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama.

Looney currently serves as a member of the Governor’s Advisory Board, Board of Directors for the Development Authority of Fulton County, Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and a member at North Point Community Church.

Looney is the proud father of four adult children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jennifer Looney. A successful business owner and professional skydiver, he recently added becoming a trained Wing Walker to his list of accomplishments.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Education with Dr. Mike Looney, Fulton County Schools

May 26, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Education with Dr. Mike Looney, Fulton County Schools

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WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Education with Dr. Mike Looney, Fulton County Schools (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 39)

Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools, briefed attendees of the WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series on fall school reopening scenarios, lessons learned this past spring, and much more. It’s must listen for parents, students, businesses, and all stakeholders in Fulton County Schools. The host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright and the show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and Business RadioX was the media sponsor for this event.

Dr. Mike Looney, Fulton County Schools Superintendent

Dr. Mike Looney joined Fulton County Schools after serving as Superintendent of Williamson County Schools in Tennessee, where he was named 2015 Superintendent of the year by Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS).

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Master’s degree in Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Dr. Looney earned his Educational Specialist Degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama.

Dr. Looney’s work has been presented for regional and national audiences on a wide range of educational and leadership topics.

He has served on several distinguished panels including President George W. Bush’s National Reading Leadership Panel in Washington D.C.

Dr. Looney also served as Superintendent of the Butler County School District in Alabama. Under his leadership the school district realized significant student achievement gains, improved the graduation rate, and established the district’s first magnet school. In recognition of his work there, he was selected as Greenville, Alabama’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.

Before arriving at Butler, he was Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Montgomery Public Schools. Under his leadership, the district of 61 schools and 31,000 students received national notoriety for its improvement in reading achievement scores.

Dr. Looney, a public educator since 1994, has also served in the roles of classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal. During his tenure as principal, his school was recognized for closing the achievement gap for underprivileged and minority students. His school was highlighted at both the state and national levels and was named a National Title I Distinguished School.

Prior to entering the field of education, he served as finance manager for a privately-held corporation with fifty employees in Anniston, Alabama. His responsibilities included corporate finance, marketing, and human resource management.

Dr. Looney is a military veteran having served for seven years in the United States Marine Corps before being honorably discharged with a service-related injury. His military service was distinguished by four meritorious promotions which included his being selected as the Marine of the Year for MCRS Montgomery serving Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. In addition to other medals and ribbons, Dr. Looney was the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His military duties took him all over the world and included a six-month tour on the USS Raleigh with the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Amphibious Force. He is the father of four grown children.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

North Fulton Mayor's Roundtable — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

“The GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

NORTH ATLANTA’S BIZLINK: North Fulton Education Leaders Allison Townsend, 2019 Georgia Teacher of the Year, and Dr. Doannie Tran, Fulton County Schools

May 23, 2019 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

NORTH ATLANTA’S BIZLINK: North Fulton Education Leaders Allison Townsend, 2019 Georgia Teacher of the Year, and Dr. Doannie Tran, Fulton County Schools

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**Dr. Doannie Tran, Kali Boatright, and Allison Townsend**

Allison Townsend, 2019 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Barnwell Elementary School

As the 2019 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Allison Townsend passionately believes each child should have a voice in his or her learning. She is dedicated to helping teachers create transparent classroom environments where, together with their students, they can make connections and have an impact beyond the four walls of their classrooms.

Since graduating from Clemson University in 2012, Allison Townsend has been a teacher in Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia. She has taught pre-k, 3rd, and 4th grades at Shakerag and Barnwell Elementary Schools. She inspires her students to grow beyond “engagement” to “ownership” by empowering them with a co-planning learning model she has created. She is also an advocate for transparency in education by inviting parents, teachers, and community members into her classroom, coaching teachers at her school, presenting at conferences, and using Twitter as a window into her classroom. Her mission is to inspire students and teachers to take risks, connect with people from around the world, and smile along the way!

In her role as 2019 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Townsend is traveling the state as an advocate for students and teachers and spreading her message of student ownership, transparency in education, and the power of human connection.

Dr. Doannie Tran, Fulton County Schools

Dr. Doannie Tran is the Assistant Superintendent for Innovative Programs for Fulton County Schools. He is also overseeing the launch of FCS’s two innovative STEM schools, including the North Fulton STEM High School located in Alpharetta and to be opened in Fall 2020.

Doannie gradated from North Springs High School in Sandy Springs, GA and earned a Chemistry degree from the University of Georgia before joining Teach For America where he taught middle school science in Oakland, California. After moving to Boston, Doannie taught high school science in Boston before joining the staff of Teach For America to launch the Massachusetts region in 2009. Doannie was responsible for professional development for all new TFA teachers in Massachusetts. He built up their partnership with Boston University, where he has also served on faculty. During that time, the Massachusetts region was in the top 10% of all regions in terms of effectiveness, satisfaction and retention of teachers. The 2014 NCTQ/US News and World Report study of teacher preparation programs gave the program Doannie designed and executed the only high rating given to an alternative certification program.

Doannie received his doctorate in education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. As a graduate student, he trained extensively in design thinking and Lean Startup methodologies and was sponsored as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at NewSchools Venture Fund. As an entrepreneur, he used design thinking and Lean principles to launch an education company called the Teaching Genome that provided teachers with insight into their teaching styles and used that knowledge to better support coaching and professional learning communities.

Doannie left his startup to join the leadership team of Boston Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Professional Learning. In that role, he focused on ensuring that every educator had high-quality curricular options and were competent in evidence-based instructional practices. He led a team of twenty-two teachers and over seventy central office experts to collaboratively develop the Essentials for Instructional Equity, Boston Public School’s vision for instruction that closes opportunity gaps. He led the collaboration of central office departments and dozens of teacher leaders to develop learning experiences that align to the Essentials, and to date, thousands of teachers have engaged in these courses.

Doannie is married to Holly Gooding, also a UGA alum and adolescent medicine physician at Emory and has two small children, Elliot (7) and Louise (5).

About GNFCC and “North Atlanta’s Bizlink”

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

“North Atlanta’s Bizlink” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806.