On Thursday, Achieve Atlanta announced their new incoming President/Executive Director, Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris. Achieve Atlanta is a nonprofit that awards need-based scholarships to Atlanta Public Schools students who pursue various post-secondary paths after high school.
Watson-Harris, the former Superintendent of Dekalb County Schools, was fired from the board in April 2022 after a controversy that included deteriorating conditions at Druid Hills High School that was highlighted by concerns in a viral video produced by students. Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris will take the realm after Founding Director Tina Fernandez left the position in January 2023 to become a fellow for Harvard鈥檚 Advanced Leadership Initiative.
鈥淒r. Watson-Harris鈥 deep knowledge and experience as well as her caring for those we serve is evident in every aspect of her being. We鈥檙e fortunate to have her leadership to build on Achieve Atlanta鈥檚 successes over the last seven years. We also thank our dedicated staff and partners who served our scholars鈥搘ithout missing a beat鈥揹uring this transition.鈥澛犫揅laire 鈥淵um鈥 Arnold, Achieve Atlanta Board Chair
Dr. Watson- Harris will bring diverse experiences starting with being a former teacher, principal, network Superintendent and experience working in the New York City Department of 糖心vlog (NYC DOE). In addition, Dr. Watson-Harris co-founded Urban School Specialists, a consultancy that provides support and services to large urban districts and executive leadership coaching to education and nonprofit leaders.聽
鈥淒r. Cheryl Watson-Harris is an ideal choice to lead Achieve Atlanta not only because of her significant experience working in school districts but because of her passion for all of the young people and the community Achieve Atlanta serves. We are eager to work with Cheryl to improve and grow Achieve Atlanta.鈥 鈥揜uss Hardin, President, Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation.
Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris will be the next President/Executive Director of Achieve Atlanta starting on May 1, 2023.