Group's initial workshop focuses on trends, strategies and tools
A new University of Georgia initiative aims to empower the state’s education leaders as catalysts for workforce development in their communities.
The Georgia Superintendents’ Workforce Leadership Academy, developed by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government and Georgia Power, officially launched recently with a two-day workshop in West Point, Georgia. A select cohort of superintendents from public school districts across the state gathered to learn about workforce development strategies and tools.
“We’re proud to partner with Georgia Power to roll out this academy. K-12 schools play such an important role in shaping their communities’ future workforce,” said Institute of Government Associate Director Greg Wilson, who leads the institute’s Workforce and Economic Development Division. “Superintendents are influential leaders in workforce development when they understand both the needs of local employers and the tools available to meet them.”
UGA Institute of Government Associate Director Greg Wilson, standing, leads a discussion at the workshop. |
Workforce development plays a vital role in strengthening communities, and UGA has long been a statewide leader in providing the research, expertise, and training that help move Georgia’s economy forward. That impact is further amplified through UGA’s partnership with Georgia Power, which brings additional resources and industry insight to initiatives like the Superintendents’ Workforce Leadership Academy.
Joseph Lillyblad, Education and Workforce Development director at Georgia Power, added that collaboration is key in addressing labor market needs.
“As we build our strategies to address the challenges we have in the workforce space, there’s not a one one-size-fits-all answer,” he said. “We must pull in key partners and make sure that we’re working together. Having great partners like the UGA Institute of Government is really important.”
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Joseph Lillyblad, Education and Workforce Development at Georgia Power, speaks with Taliaffero County School System Superintendent Andreana Jones and Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Mitch Young at the workshop. |
The kickoff workshop included overviews on Georgia’s demographics, workforce alignment, economic development, marketing and change management, as well as opportunities for attendees to connect with their peers.
“I appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from other superintendents. I’ll take the strategy and data resources we’ve received here back to my team so we can evaluate how they fit our local needs. We want to be sure that our College and Career Academy’s offerings are indicative of the needs in our community,” said Hart County Charter System Superintendent Jennifer Carter.
The group also toured the KIA Georgia’s West Point assembly plant, where they learned about advanced manufacturing and its associated specialized labor skillsets.
KIA Georgia President and CEO Stuart Countess told the group about the company’s work to create interest in manufacturing, adding that 4,000 students toured the plant in 2024. The company is active in the local community and offers opportunities for high school students including job shadowing, internships and work-based learning.
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KIA Georgia President and CEO Stuart Countess speaks to the superintendents. |
The superintendents also attended Georgia’s Workforce Conference in November as part of the leadership academy. Muscogee County Schools Superintendent David Lewis said he appreciated the conference’s sessions, highlighting those on data trends, employee wellness and childcare.
“Each one of the sessions has touched on topics that are relevant to what we’re either doing in Muscogee County or hoping to do going forward,” he said.
Over the course of the academy, participants will learn from workforce leaders, collaborate with each other, and receive expert coaching. The program will conclude in April 2026 with each superintendent completing a capstone project focused on a specific workforce development action item they can fully implement in their district.
“I see the academy as an opportunity to learn and make connections,” said Troup County School System Superintendent Rachel Hazel. “I’ve learned and grown so much in my role just in the last year by being at the table in Troup County as a part of the conversations on workforce. Participating in the leadership academy is just going to cement it all together.”
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Superintendents hold a discussion at their table during a workshop session. Clockwise from bottom left: David Lewis (Muscogee County School District superintendent), Kristina Brooks (Baldwin County Public Schools superintendent), Rachel Hazel (Troup County School System superintendent) and Eric Holland (Rome City Schools superintendent) |