~ Governor Brian Kemp has announced the appointment of Dr. Jody Barrow as the new Executive Secretary of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). This prestigious position was previously held by Matt Arthur, who served for four years after leading the Technical College System of Georgia.

In a statement, Governor Kemp expressed his congratulations to Barrow and thanked Arthur for his years of service to both the GaPSC and the state. He also expressed confidence in Barrow's ability to maintain high standards and qualities for Georgia's educators as they prepare students for their future.

Barrow's appointment was met with enthusiasm from GaPSC Chair Brian Sirmans, who is also an Assistant Principal at Lanier County Public Schools. Sirmans praised Barrow's extensive experience and unwavering commitment to advancing education in Georgia, stating that he will undoubtedly be an asset to the team and the state.

More on Georgia Chron

• FamBam Foods® Expands Healthy Snack Portfolio with Launch of Caulitos®
• Los Angeles Fires: Supporting Recovery Without Psychotropic Drug Risks
• "Global Accreditation Failures: How the Wuhan Lab Certification Exposed Systemic Weaknesses and Paved the Way for COVID-19"
• Chioma Chime Releases Groundbreaking Children's Book: Don't Touch Me There: The Personal Bubble
• Georgia Veterans for America First State Chapter in route to DC VFAF said Stan Fitzgerald

Retiring Executive Secretary Matt Arthur also expressed his support for Barrow's appointment, stating that Governor Kemp made a wonderful recommendation for who should lead the agency. He highlighted Barrow's extensive experience and vast knowledge about the education profession, as well as his ability to effectively collaborate with others.

Upon his nomination and approval, Dr. Jody Barrow shared his gratitude for Governor Kemp's support and that of the GaPSC. He also commended Arthur for his exceptional job as Executive Secretary and wished him success in retirement. Barrow emphasized the critical role of the Commission in developing Georgia's classroom teachers, auxiliary staff, and leadership personnel. He expressed confidence in working with a talented staff and quality board to enhance educational opportunities for children and professionals in Georgia.

Dr. Joseph "Jody" Barrow brings forty years of public education experience in Georgia to his new role as Executive Secretary. His career includes serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools until his retirement in 2020. Throughout his career, Barrow has received numerous honors, including being named Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) Outstanding Educator and receiving the prestigious Georgia School Superintendents Association's Bill Barr Leadership Award. He was also recognized by the Georgia Senate and House for his efforts in Educational Excellence and chosen as Superintendent of the Year for Georgia's Head Start Program. In 2017, he was named Georgia Superintendent of the Year and has served as president of both the Georgia School Superintendents Association and the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders. Barrow and his wife, Dr. Susan Barrow, have five children, two of whom are graduating high school this year.

More on Georgia Chron

• Get to know Dr. Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, Professor and Scientist at the University of California, San Diego
• The Strand Debuts 2025 Theatrical Season with The Last Five Years February 28 - March 9
• Ohio Medicare (Plan Brian C. Moore), has once again been distinguished as Ohio's Top-Ranked and Number-One-Rated "Best Choice" Medicare Expert!
• Manchester Insurance Announces Best Rates in Florida for Home Insurance
• InventHelp Inventor Develops New Type of Disposable Bag (TPL-469)

With Dr. Jody Barrow's extensive experience and dedication to education, Governor Kemp is confident that he will continue to lead the GaPSC in promoting excellence in education for the benefit of students and professionals in Georgia.

---

Show All News | Report Violation