DeKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Dr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, announced the appointment of two new members of the college’s board of directors.  Dr. Samantha M. Fuhrey, superintendent, Newton County School System, and J. Neil Shorthouse, co-founder of the Communities In Schools national network have joined this prestigious board of civic and business leaders.

“I am pleased to welcome both Dr. Fuhrey and Mr. Shorthouse to our Board of Directors,” Simama said. “As visionaries in the field of education, and members of several civic and charitable organizations, both individuals have demonstrated strong leadership capabilities. I am certain their knowledge will be invaluable as we move forward in achieving our goals for the college.” 

As NCSS’s superintendent, and a member of the system’s Executive Leadership Team, Fuhrey’s responsibilities include overseeing the effective operation of the school system; advising the school board; advancing/implementing the strategic plan; developing strong community partnerships; and improving student outcomes.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve on Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Board of Directors,” Fuhrey said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to support the efforts of the Georgia Piedmont team as they realize the vision of being the premier institution for technical and adult education with a deep commitment to personal, professional, and community transformation.”

J. Neil Shorthouse is co-founder of the CIS national network, whose mission is to surround students with a community of support and resources, empowering them to succeed in school and to achieve in life.  He has dedicated more than 50 years to improving educational opportunities, which has resulted in increased academic achievement, post-secondary school readiness and improved graduation rates. Today, 25 states and the District of Columbia provide CIS programs and services through 163 community-based CIS affiliates to more than 1.5 million students.

 “Having the privilege to serve on the Board of Directors of Georgia Piedmont Technical College creates for me the responsibility to support the inspired leadership and staff of Georgia Piedmont who prepare thousands of people for success throughout our four member counties,” Shorthouse said.  “Georgia Piedmont takes people with talent and potential and enables them to be highly marketable, which in turn builds upward economic mobility, resulting in stronger families and more competitive companies, who grow from the skilled people they greatly need. I am very grateful to have a part of this mission.”