Gina Williams recently retired from the Tattnall County School District in Reidsville, GA, after 35 years in education. Gina began her career as a high school English teacher, tennis, and cheer coach. After obtaining her degree in educational leadership, she moved into administration. She was a high school and middle school assistant principal before becoming a middle school and elementary school principal. She was promoted to the district office as the assistant superintendent and then became superintendent, a position she held for 14 years. During her tenure as superintendent, she led the district in passing every Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum that came before the voters. The district was also able to construct two new elementary schools simultaneously, which is unheard of in a small, rural Georgia school system.
Gina’s educational philosophy is based on the belief that all students possess unique potential waiting to be unlocked and that every student comes from a distinct background with his/her own experiences and abilities. She believes education is not merely about transferring knowledge to these students but about nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning. She has spent her career helping teachers empower students to become lifelong learners equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and integrity. Gina works part-time with the First District Regional Educational Service Agency GA Teacher Alternative Preparation Program to mentor, and coach college graduates new to the teaching profession to gain their certification.
Gina and her husband, Jay, a retired GA State Trooper, live in Reidsville near their two children, Alex and his wife, Kristy, and Olivia and her husband, Buster. Most importantly, they live near their grandchildren, Brayden, Ben, and Ella. Gina and Jay enjoy visiting Jekyll Island and being outdoors.
Education
- Georgia Southern University – Doctorate of Education Leadership, 2003
- University of Southern Mississippi – Education Specialist’s degree in Educational Administration, 1997
- Georgia Southern University – Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, 1992
- Georgia Southern University – Bachelor of Science degree in English Education, 1988
Associations
- Professional Association of Georgia Educators
- GA Retired Educators Association
- Tattnall County Retired Teachers Association
Awards and Recognition
- President’s Award, Georgia School Superintendents Association
- Superintendent Award, Georgia Head Start Association
- Outstanding Educator Award, Georgia Retired Educators Association
- Superintendent Professional Development Program graduate, Georgia School Superintendents Association
- Regional Economic and Leadership Development Program graduate, Georgia Academy for Economic Development
- Superintendent Executive Leadership Program graduate, Georgia School Superintendents Association
