CLARKSTON, GA       Georgia Piedmont Technical College is proud to welcome six new business and community leaders to its local board of directors. Board members serve three-year terms and assist the college’s leadership team in fulfilling its mission of providing an educated, globally ready workforce. The board consists of diverse members that reflect the population of Georgia Piedmont Technical College and hail from the counties served by GTPC (DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale).

“Having a board that collaborates with the college is vital to ensure the success of our students,” said GPTC President Dr. Tavarez Holston. “The board meets nine times a year and serves as a sounding board while adding to our system of checks and balances. They are instrumental in ensuring the college is transparent, fiscally-sound, and serves our students in the best way possible.”

New board members for Georgia Piedmont Technical College are:

  • Theresa Austin-Gibbons
    President/Owner, JH Austin Consulting
  • Latasha James
    Dir. of Resource Management, Southern Company Gas
  • Santiago Marquez
    CEO, Latin American Association
  • Terreta Rodgers
    Head of Community Affairs, Amazon (Atlanta region)
  • Rondah Thomas
    Area Manager, Georgia Power
  • Beth Timberlake
    Chief Nursing Officer, Piedmont Newton Hospital
GPTC Board Members getting sworn in
October 17, 2023 – The newest GPTC board members (l to r) Terreta Rodgers, Latasha James and (on screen) Santiago Marquez are sworn in by Newton County Commissioner (District 2) Demond Mason. The swearing in ceremony occurred during the Board’s October meeting.

Following the Board meeting and swearing in ceremony, members were treated to a tour of the Practical Nursing program area at Georgia Piedmont’s Newton campus.

Visiting the LPN lab
Board members listened as LPN instructor Amanda Ekanem addressed her students.
Instructor Ekanem and student
Instructor Amanda Ekanem explains correct bathing procedures to her students.
Board members touring
GPTC Board members, President Tavarez Holston and others listen to Exec. VP Dr. Cheree Williams as she discusses programs at the Newton campus and the college’s plans for renovating the area.

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About Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Established in 1961, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is a student-centered institution that prepares individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. GPTC’s graduation rate for academic year 2022, as reported by the Technical College System of Georgia, was more than 73 percent, and its job placement rate exceeded 95 percent! Georgia Piedmont Tech’s Adult Education program for high school equivalency test preparation and English as a Second Language classes is one of the largest in the state. The College has multiple learning centers in DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties and also specializes in customized business and industry training and workforce development through its Economic Development and Continuing Education division. Learn more at www.gptc.edu.

As set forth in its student catalog, Georgia Piedmont Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Contact Candice Buckley, the ADA Coordinator, at 404/297-9522, ext. 1111, ADA504Coordinator@gptc.edu or at the main DeKalb campus, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021 Room A-103B; or Sadie Washington, the Title IX Coordinator, at 404/297-9522, ext. 1210, TitleIXCoordinator@gptc.edu or at the main DeKalb campus, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021 Room A-157 for assistance.