Gillies Named New SECCA CEO

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Former Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) CEO John Sharpe has made the decision to return to his roots, as he has accepted a position as the Vidalia City Schools Community Relations Coordinator. Former Vidalia High School Career, Technological, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Director and SECCA Unmanned Flight Instructor Amy Gillies will now take over as SECCA’s CEO and Director of High School Programs. Sharpe first joined in 2022, after having served as continued from page

the Vidalia High School Principal for 9 years. Since joining the Academy, he has led them to continue to grow and expand, offering several programs for students at Montgomery County High School, Toombs County High School, Treutlen County High School, and Vidalia High School to help explore their interests and jumpstart their careers.

As the Academy moves under Gillies’ leadership, the SECCA Board of Directors is confident that the new CEO will continue to foster growth and success. “We are sad to see Mr. John Sharpe go, but we are excited for his future endeavors in his new position with Vidalia City Schools,” SECCA Board Chairman Michelle Johnson remarked. “As CEO and Director of High School Programs, Mrs. Amy Gillies will lead the next chapter of SECCA’s growth, focusing on key goals and initiatives such as pathway expansion, enrollment, new programs, and student success. We are confident that under Mrs. Gillies’ leadership, we will continue building on SECCA’s momentum and achieve great things together.”

Gillies brings a wealth of experience in instructional methods and a proven track record of leadership and innovation. Prior to joining SECCA, she worked as an elementary teacher for fourteen years in the Vidalia School System. For the last five years, she has served as SECCA’s Unmanned Flight Instructor (Drone). She has held the position of CTAE (Career Technical and Agricultural Education) Director for Vidalia City Schools and even graduated from the Georgia Department of Education CTAE Director Academy. She holds an education specialist degree in teacher leadership from Valdosta State University and is FAA Remote Pilot sUAS certified.

She will transition into the new position officially on July 1.