ATLANTA - The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) announced today the appointment of Lauren Holcomb as the agency’s new Executive Director. Holcomb most recently served as SCSC Chief Communications Officer and joined the SCSC staff upon its reconstitution in 2013.

“On behalf of the commissioners, we are pleased to announce Lauren Holcomb as our new Executive Director,“ said SCSC Chairman Tom Lewis. “She brings a wealth of knowledge about charter schools and education policy in Georgia. She is the right person to advance our mission to improve public education through quality charter schools.”

A Georgia native, Holcomb has served in a variety of education policy roles throughout her career, including as an advisor to Governor Sonny Perdue and as the founding director of the Innovation Fund in the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. At the SCSC, she has managed outreach, research and support services to build the capacity of charter schools and grow the charter school pipeline. As Executive Director, she will oversee strategic planning, policy, communications and other initiatives for the SCSC. The SCSC authorizes 35 state charter schools that serve nearly 33,000 students across Georgia.

“This is an exciting time for education in Georgia,” said SCSC Executive Director Lauren Holcomb. “I’m honored at the commissioners’ confidence in me and I look forward to working with our board, state leaders and schools to provide students and families with the high quality educational opportunities that every child deserves.”

Holcomb holds bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Georgia’s Grady College and School of Public and International Affairs and a master’s degree in public administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy at Georgia State University. She resides in Marietta with her husband and two children.

Commissioners selected Holcomb as the final candidate for the Executive Director position after a competitive search process. SCSC Chairman Tom Lewis, Commissioner Carmen Dill and Commissioner Jose Perez served on the search committee that recommended Holcomb for the position. Commissioners affirmed the appointment through a unanimous vote. Holcomb succeeds Dr. Bonnie Holliday, who announced her resignation in January.

The SCSC is a state-level, independent charter school authorizing entity. The mission of the SCSC is to improve public education by authorizing high quality charter schools that provide students with better educational opportunities than they would otherwise receive in traditional district schools. The SCSC has the power to approve or deny petitions for state charter schools and renew, non-renew, or terminate state charter school petitions in accordance with Georgia law.