The Newton College and Career Academy (NCCS) has a new CEO, and he’s coming from just nearby.

Chad Walker, assistant principal at the Rockdale Career Academy (RCA), will become the second NCCA principal and CEO after the Newton County Board of Education approved Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey’s recommendation to bring him on board at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting.

Board member Jeff Meadors recused himself from the unanimous vote to prevent a conflict of interest. Meadors serves on the RCA board of directors.

“I’m looking forward to this new adventure and the challenges that lie ahead,” Walker said. “I’m looking forward to building business and industry partners and helping develop a stronger workforce for Newton County.”

He said his first year in his new position will involve “watching, listening, and learning, and working on building relationships with the students and teachers. I want to build a sense of pride and family.”

The Newton County resident said leaving the RCA will be “bittersweet.”

“I’ve worked at RCA for seven years, and I will definitely miss everyone there,” Walker said. “But when this position opened, I felt like it would be a perfect fit for me. And I’m honored to have been selected.”

Walker has been with the RCA since 2008 and is filling the vacancy after James Woodard left to take the position of superintendent for Morgan County Charter School System.

“I am confident Mr. Walker will be dedicated and committed to the students, faculty, staff, business partners and the local community of the Newton College and Career Academy,” Fuhrey said. “He has high expectations of the students and staff and intends to ensure all students are positioned to achieve their dreams. Mr. Walker’s experience at the Rockdale Career Academy has equipped him to support the current and future needs of (NCCA). Finally, Mr. Walker expects that all students who exit (NCCA) upon graduation will be well-prepared to have choices beyond high school.”

Walker received a leadership certification from the University of Georgia, an education specialist degree from Piedmont College, a master of arts in secondary mathematics from Piedmont College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He also attended Young Harris College.

He comes to Newton County after having worked in the Rockdale County School District his entire career, beginning in 1998 as a mathematics and computer applications teacher at Salem High School. From there, he moved to Rockdale Virtual Campus/Rockdale Evening Academy in 2000, where is currently teaching mathematics and health.

Heritage High School in Conyers also housed Walker for some time, where he has held the positions of math teacher, assistant administrator and project success coordinator between 2001 and 2008.

Walker is an active member of the Covington First United Methodist Church and a member of the Newton County Arts Association and has coached at the Newton County Recreation Department.