(Image source from: The Atlanta Voice)
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has proclaimed that Aliya Bhatia appointment to serve as the City of Atlanta's first-ever Chief Education Officer.
A Cabinet-level position will work in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools and community body to amend access to quality education and vocational training for students and communities.
Bhatia's appointment is effective as of July 16.
As Chief Education Officer, Bhatia will work with community stakeholders to better collaboration and determine and advocate for policies and resources that will improve access to high-quality education for all Atlantans, including convening industry and education leaders to develop vocational training programs to encounter the flourishing demand for workers in the city's film and entertainment, smart technology, and construction industries.
Bhatia will likewise be tasked with creating a citywide Children's Savings Account program for every child entering kindergarten and with working across city authorities to guarantee that public schools are a priority for infrastructure investment and public safety.
"Quality education can transform lives. Aliya Bhatia's experience, passion, and commitment to creating high-quality, accessible educational opportunities will allow her to effectively partner with APS and other education and industry leaders from throughout the community as we work to improve access to education and training for all of our children and residents," Bottoms said.
A native of metro Atlanta, Bhatia started her career as a teacher with Teach for America and later joined the Boston Consulting Group as an associate and consultant.
The search for this position was led by two members of Mayor Bottom’s transition team: Bill Rogers, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of SunTrust Banks and Virginia Hepner, former CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center.
By Sowmya Sangam
