ALBANY — The Dougherty County Board of Education voted Monday to accept Superintendent Kenneth Dyer’s recommendation to name Cheryl Smith the Executive Director for the CTAE (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education) Program, a post she’s been serving as interim since 2024.
Smith takes the mantle after having served a variety of leadership roles within the district including those of associate superintendent for Academic Services, director of Curriculum and Instruction and the district’s first director of School Improvement.
“I am honored to continue serving on the Dougherty County School System leadership team as Executive Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education,” Smith said. “I am committed to expanding rigorous and relevant student opportunities through strong industry partnerships, meaningful internships, and robust work-based learning experiences.”
As CTAE Director, Smith will ensure that the district builds and maintains high-quality, relevant CTAE programs that align with state and federal guidelines, meet industry and workforce needs, and equip students with credentials and skills for success in college, career, and life.
She will collaborate with K-12 leaders, CTAE educators, business and industry partners, and postsecondary institutions to strengthen pathways that include Work-Based Learning, Youth Apprenticeships, Dual Enrollment, and Industry Certifications.
Dr. Mary Felton, Chief Academic Officer for the district, highlighted leadership and experience Mrs. Smith brings to the role.
“We are proud to welcome Mrs. Cheryl Smith as Executive Director of CTAE. This role is essential to our mission of preparing students for success beyond the classroom,” Felton said. “With Mrs. Smith's leadership, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with families and industry leaders to provide students with rigorous, real-world learning experiences.”
Smith said she looks forward to preparing DCSS students for the opportunities that await them in the modern workforce, no matter the path they choose.
“We aim to ensure that every student is prepared for one of the four E’s: enrollment in a post-secondary education institution, employment in high-demand, high-wage careers, enlistment in military service, or entrepreneurship. As we move forward, we will continue to align our CTAE initiatives with the economic development priorities of Southwest Georgia—ensuring our students graduate ready to contribute to and thrive in the region’s growing economy. I look forward to working alongside our educators, community partners, and stakeholders to build a stronger, future-ready workforce.”
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