MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Gaines, rgaines@gpee.org, 404-223-2464
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January 26, 2021 – The Board of Directors for the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) is pleased to announce that Dana Rickman, Ph.D. has been named the new president, effective February 15, 2021. Rickman succeeds Dr. Steve Dolinger, who is retiring after 19 years at the Partnership’s helm and 50 total years in public education as a servant leader and champion of public schools. While at the Partnership, Dolinger elevated the organization’s reputation as one of Georgia’s premier education research and advocacy organizations. “Working with the Partnership team to improve student achievement and workforce development over the last two decades has been a tremendous honor,” Dolinger stated.
Dr. Dana Rickman, who joined the Partnership in 2011, assumes the role of president after serving in the positions of vice president and research and policy director. During this time, she has established herself as one of the most influential leaders in Georgia’s education policy landscape and helped solidify the Partnership’s reputation as the go-to source for nonpartisan education research. “I am excited and deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead such a well-respected, high-performing organization” Rickman shared. “I’m looking forward to building on that reputation and leading the organization in a direction that ensures Georgia’s leaders continue to be well-informed about equitable, research-based solutions for addressing our state’s most pressing education and workforce development needs,” she added.
“Steve’s leadership at the Partnership has been remarkable” said Board Chair, Mike Donnelly. “His vision, agility, and steadfastness have enabled the Partnership to flourish and advance its mission through times of economic hardship and organizational uncertainty and have laid the groundwork to ensure the organization’s future success. After conducting a rigorous national search process, the board has the utmost confidence that Dana is well-equipped to shape the future direction of the Georgia Partnership and build on its legacy.”