Christy Todd, the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, has been named Chief of Staff for the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), effective last Sunday. The appointment was announced by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
In her new role, Todd will work with agency leaders to support Superintendent Woods' goal of shifting the department’s focus toward service and support rather than compliance.
Prior to this role, Todd led the GaDOE’s teacher recruitment campaign, Teach in the Peach, and helped launch a statewide teacher recruitment platform and the first statewide Educator Signing Day. These initiatives were part of efforts to strengthen the teacher pipeline. In a statement shared by AllOnGeorgia, Todd said she is thankful for Superintendent Woods' focus on including teacher perspectives in the department’s work.
Superintendent Woods stated that Todd’s background in teaching and leadership in recruitment make her well-suited for the position.
Todd succeeds Matt Jones, who served as Chief of Staff for ten years. During his tenure, Jones played a role in implementing Georgia’s state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act and managing education-related challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also worked to expand technical, agricultural, and rural education efforts. In a statement to AllOnGeorgia, Jones said Christy has his full confidence and support.
