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Jamilia Smith Board Chair jsmith@brightenacademy.com Jamilia Smith is a wife, mother to three beautiful daughters, and a dedicated advocate for education and leadership development. Jamilia brings a wealth of experience and passion to our school community. Holding a Master of Public Administration in Human Resource and Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations, she is an accomplished leader, consultant, and coach. As a professional Business Consultant and Leadership Development Coach, Jamilia manages a diverse portfolio of businesses generating $150M-$200M annually across the United States. With over 15 years of higher education and corporate leadership experience, she has excelled in Career Services, Human Resources, Talent Strategy and Development, and Recruitment. Her strategic leadership has driven positive outcomes in gainful employment for college graduates, resulting in accreditation maintenance and renewal, increased funding, and a decrease in student loan debt for graduates in creative arts fields. A sought-after motivational speaker with over a decade of expertise in governance, public policy, and parliamentary procedure, Jamilia also serves as a Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and a member of the county’s strategic planning team. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Douglas and continues to pursue higher education in Executive and Strategic Leadership as a lifelong learner. Passionate about fostering environments where students, staff, and parents thrive, she is dedicated to advancing student achievement and academic success. When not working, Jamilia cherishes traveling with her amazing husband and daughters.
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Evony Hammonds Board Vice Chair ehammonds@brightenacademy.com Evony Hammonds is the Executive Director of Douglas County Travel & Tourism (DCTT) in Georgia. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master of Arts in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University. This strong academic background led her to a successful career as a Television News Producer, which lasted more than a decade. Now, Evony applies her storytelling and media skills to destination marketing. She spearheads strategic initiatives designed to engage visitors, boost hotel occupancy, and highlight the local culture of Douglas County, Georgia. Additionally, she manages comprehensive marketing efforts, search engine optimization (SEO), and data-driven growth strategies for DCTT. As a recognized leader in regional tourism, Evony has obtained her Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) and Festival and Events Professional (FEP) credentials from the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College. She also serves on the STS Board of Directors as a representative for Georgia. Passionate about fostering sustainable economic growth through community development, she collaborates closely with civic leaders and local businesses to enhance the visibility of Douglas County.
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LaKia Bryant Board Secretary lbryant@brightenacademy.com LaKia Bryant is a dedicated mother, community supporter, and public leader who brings both heart and experience to every space she serves. First and foremost, she is the proud parent of two young children, a role that inspires her commitment to joyful, equitable learning environments and strong family–school partnerships. Professionally, LaKia is a seasoned public affairs and communications executive with more than 12 years of service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her background spans strategic communication planning, governance support, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communication, experience that equips her to navigate complex challenges with clarity, collaboration, and purpose. She has supported senior leaders across national and global health programs, guided high‑profile initiatives, and strengthened communication practices that build trust and accountability. Beyond her professional career, LaKia is deeply committed to community engagement and service. She has held several leadership roles within the community/non-profit sector that allow her to support families, strengthen communication between communities and organizations, and contribute to initiatives that uplift youth. Her long-standing involvement in community programs reflects her dedication to creating welcoming, supportive environments where children and families can thrive. LaKia holds a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy from Texas Southern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Albany State University. She also completed multiple leadership development programs, including the Strategic Leadership Institute and the Atlanta Executive Board Peak Performance Program.
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Matthew Vitale Board Member mvitale@brightenacademy.com Matt Vitale is a Senior Instructor and Captain for Delta Air Lines. In that role he is responsible for the training and certification of new pilots, as well as the development and mentoring of instructors. Mr Vitale is also has responsibilities as a project lead and Flight Training Liaison. Matt and his family have been residents of Douglas County since 2006, and members of the Brighten Family since 2020. His son is a Brighten alumni now thriving at Aleaxander High School and his daughter is still a student at Brighten.
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Richard Coffee Board Member
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Shauncey Battle Committee - Non Board Member sbattle-williams@brightenacademy.com Shauncey Battle is the proud mother of an amazing little girl, who inspires her daily and reinforces her belief in the power of education to open doors and transform lives. She is honored to contribute her time and expertise to helping Brighten Academy continue its tradition of academic excellence and character development. Shauncey is a dedicated advocate for education, equity, and community engagement, bringing a passion for student success to her role on the Board. With a strong background in public service and leadership, Shauncey is committed to fostering an environment where all Brighten community has the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive. In her professional capacity, Shauncey serves as the Compliance Director for the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation, where she oversees accessibility initiatives, policy compliance, and infrastructure improvements that promote inclusivity. Her work is grounded in collaboration, problem-solving, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives, which are also the skills she brings to the Board in service of Brighten’s mission.
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Traci Cabrera Board Member