Upcoming Panel: Educating Smyrna's Rising Leaders

Press release from the Cobb Chamber:

Dec. 12, 2022

Join the Cobb Chamber at the final Smyrna Area Council of the year on December 14 where a panel of three education experts will share how they are preparing the next wave of students to enter the career field. Featured panelists include Dr. Tiffany Barney of the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy, Dr. Jeanne Walker of Cobb Horizon High School, and Dr. Vanessa Watkins of Campbell High School.

Dr. Tiffany Barney is the Director of the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy (CITA), which provides students with hands-on learning experiences and career opportunities through district, post-secondary, and industry partnerships. Prior to her appointment to CITA, she served as the CTAE (Career, Technical, & Agricultural Education) Program Specialist for healthcare science, law and public safety, and cosmetology for the Georgia Department of Education. Dr. Barney has served students in a variety of roles – teacher, coach, and adjunct professor to name a few. She will share about the programs CITA offers and how they engage local business partners to develop employable skills for the students enrolled in the Academy.

Dr. Jeanne Walker has dutifully served Cobb County School District students for 26 years, with seven of them being the Principal at Campbell High School. During her tenure, she was responsible for a graduation increase of over 20 percent, an athletic program that holds multiple regional titles. an expanded Fine Arts program, and a school-wide renovation made possible through ESPLOST funding. Dr. Walker was recently named the new Principal at Cobb Horizon High School and Cobb Online Learning Academy (COLA). She will share about her time with her students at Campbell, her vision for Cobb Horizon and COLA, and how the community can support the students entering the workforce.

Dr. Vanessa Watkins has also been a pillar of leadership within the school district, serving students for 25 years. This summer, she took the helm at Campbell High School and is excited to carry the legacy left by Campbell’s previous leaders. Her passion for education started as soon as she stepped into the classroom. Dr. Watkins will share about her background in education, her plans for the Campbell community, and ways Smyrna residents can be involved in student success.

Additionally, the Smyrna Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to a deserving individual.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. at the Smyrna Community Center. Tickets are $25 for Cobb Chamber members and $35 for general admission. Registration closes and refunds will no longer be available after December 12. Walk-up admissions and payment cannot be granted. Thank you to Series Presenting Sponsor, Kaiser Permanente.

This press release was produced by the Cobb Chamber. The views expressed here are the author's own.