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Dr. Allene Magill, left, with Georgia Rep. Dubose Porter, center, and Georgia Rep. Ernest Williams. Dr. Allene Magill’s extraordinary legacy is forever intertwined with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), an organization that flourished under her visionary leadership. Her tenure as executive director, which began in July 2003, marked a transformative period for PAGE, especially in its dedication to high-quality professional learning for throughout Georgia. Through her tireless efforts, PAGE expanded its reach and influence, experiencing remarkable growth from 54,000 to 92,000 members during her 14 years at the helm.   DR. ALLENE MAGILL Dr. Magill’s journey as an educator began humbly in Hamilton, Mississippi, in 1974, where she worked as a paraprofessional before becoming an elementary school teacher. Moving to Georgia in 1976, she joined the Paulding County School District, where her career quickly advanced from teacher to assistant superintendent before being elected superintendent in 1988. Dr. Magill’s innovative leadership and dedication to students earned her the trust of the community, and she served two successful terms in this role until 1995.   In 1995, Dr. Magill became the first appointed superintendent of Forsyth County Schools, where she brought her characteristic focus on excellence and innovation to the growing district. Her leadership later led her to Dalton Public Schools in 2001, where she served as superintendent until joining PAGE in 2003. Throughout her career, Dr. Magill demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public education, student engagement, and professional learning.   Dr. Magill often reflected on the profound lessons she learned as an elementary reading teacher working with children of poverty. Those early experiences shaped her lifelong mission to ensure that every child had access to quality education and that every teacher had the tools and support necessary to succeed. She was an insatiable learner who set high expectations for herself and those around her, inspiring countless educators to reach beyond what they believed was possible.   Dr. Magill believed in the power of teacher-leaders and those who led them to make positive differences in the lives of children and the community. Two foundational blocks of her leadership were professional learning for educators to build their capacity and effectiveness for the benefit of students and advocating for resources for educators to do excellent work   Under her leadership, PAGE undertook these initiatives and became a driving force for professional development in Georgia. Dr. Magill championed initiatives that connected school districts through regional networks, fostering collaboration among educators to enhance student engagement and strengthen relationships with families and communities. Her vision for professional learning went beyond workshops and conferences; she aimed to build a culture of continuous improvement and shared purpose among educators statewide.   Dr. Magill’s dedication to education and her exceptional abilities were widely recognized. She was twice named Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year and was honored as the F. M. Fulbright Outstanding Educator by the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders. Additionally, she served as president of both the Georgia School Superintendents Association and the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and was appointed to the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia.   Her influence extended far beyond organizational achievements. She was well known for the passion and energy she brought to everything she did. Dr. Magill’s leadership style was rooted in her ability to see potential in others and inspire them to exceed their own expectations. She was a tireless advocate for educators and students, ensuring that every teacher, administrator, and leader had the resources and support needed to excel.   Dr. Allene Magill’s unexpected passing in January 2018 was a profound loss to the education community, but her legacy endures. Through her vision, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of education, she left an indelible mark on PAGE, Georgia’s educators, and countless students whose lives were enriched by her work. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of leadership dedicated to the greater good.

Steve Lusk retired in 2024 after serving as the PAGE Chief Financial Officer. Steve Lusk, retired Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), exemplified a career marked by dedication and significant contributions throughout nearly two decades of service. With a prior 30-year career in accounting management within North Carolina's state government, including roles in the judicial system, Lusk brought a wealth of experience to PAGE. His journey from Raleigh to Atlanta seemed unlikely until a serendipitous conversation led him to a pivotal CFO role within the organization, setting the stage for a remarkable tenure.   At PAGE, Lusk was more than a financial overseer; he was a relationship builder, a trait quickly noted by his colleagues during his initial interviews. Gayle Wooten, former director of human resources with PAGE, reflects on Lusk as one of her all-time favorite colleagues, praising his interpersonal skills and approachability. These qualities made him a cherished figure, especially at conferences with Georgia educators, where his ability to connect with people greatly benefited PAGE.   STEVE LUSK Under Lusk's financial stewardship, PAGE experienced significant growth. He adapted from leading a large team while in state government to managing as a solo department head, skillfully reorganizing and enhancing PAGE's accounting systems to support an expanding organization. When he began, PAGE had 55,000 members with a $4 million budget. As he retired in September 2024 it had more than 90,000 members and a $14 million budget. His leadership facilitated the training and promotion of administrative assistant Nicole Ross to a significant role as a financial assistant. PAGE also upgraded to a sophisticated financial system, ensuring robust management of PAGE's complex finances.   Lusk's impact extends beyond numbers and systems. Lamar Scott, treasurer of the PAGE Board of Directors, regarded him as a wise and effective leader, especially appreciative of his collaborative spirit and willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Lusk himself found great satisfaction in directly engaging with PAGE members at conferences, where he could witness the tangible outcomes of the organization’s work through the support of scholarships, grants, and benefits programs.   Lusk retired Sept. 30, 2024, leaving a legacy at PAGE characterized by growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to the educational community. His career was a testament to the power of effective leadership and the profound impact of building meaningful relationships within a professional community.

Jimmy Jordan’s journey with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) began in the late 1970s when he was a teacher and coach in Newton County. He later advanced to an assistant principal role and eventually became principal and assistant superintendent in Jasper County, where he spent 28.5 years in education. In 2000, after retiring from his administrative roles, he transitioned to PAGE as one of the first Membership Service Representatives (MSR), embarking on a 22-year career with the organization. JIMMY JORDAN Jimmy’s involvement with PAGE was heavily influenced by his wife, a curriculum director, who introduced him to PAGE leaders Barbara Christmas and Tim Callahan. This led to his hiring as an MSR, responsible for 22 counties in his first role. Over time, PAGE expanded its MSR districts from eight to 13, and Jimmy eventually became the director of membership in 2014. Throughout his career, he played a key role in growing PAGE's membership from 48,000 in 2000 to 95,000 by the time he retired in 2022. One of Jimmy's key contributions was the visibility and expansion of the MSR program. He emphasized the importance of PAGE representatives visiting schools and forming relationships with educators. His motto, aligned with PAGE’s leadership, was “boots on the ground”—ensuring that educators knew who their PAGE representative was and what support was available to them. This personal approach was instrumental in recruiting new members and maintaining PAGE’s strong presence in schools across Georgia. Jimmy also saw PAGE's early focus on the teacher pipeline as a defining moment in the organization's history. Long before the teacher shortage became a statewide concern, PAGE recognized the need to inspire high school and college students to pursue careers in education. Jimmy also saw PAGE's early focus on the teacher pipeline as a defining moment in the organization's history. Long before the teacher shortage became a statewide concern, PAGE recognized the need to inspire high school and college students to pursue careers in education. Through partnerships with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, the Department of Education, and the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), PAGE launched initiatives such as Future Georgia Educators, which brought MSRs into classrooms to promote the profession. Jimmy was particularly passionate about this program, enjoying the opportunity to speak with students about becoming educators and contributing to the pipeline of future teachers. One of the major challenges PAGE faced during Jimmy’s tenure was the increasingly litigious environment in education. Having PAGE’s legal team actively involved in schools, offering ethics training, and providing immediate access to attorneys became crucial. Jimmy believed that this legal support was a key reason many educators initially joined PAGE, but over time, members also came to appreciate PAGE’s professional learning programs and legislative advocacy, which kept educators informed about state policies and regulations affecting their work. Jimmy’s favorite memories of his time at PAGE were the relationships he built with his fellow MSRs and the educators he served. He valued the close-knit team at PAGE, describing them as "class individuals" who were dedicated to supporting teachers and students. He also took pride in PAGE’s evolution, particularly the technological advancements that streamlined membership management and made the organization more efficient. Looking ahead, Jimmy believed that PAGE should continue evolving to meet the needs of educators, particularly by staying engaged with legislative issues and maintaining its reputation for providing honest, reliable information. His legacy at PAGE, he hoped, would be defined by his efforts to support educators, encourage future teachers, and help PAGE grow into a trusted and invaluable resource for Georgia’s education community.

Daerzio Harris is the 2024-2025 PAGE president. ​ Daerzio Harris's journey with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) began in 2005 as a student member at Georgia Southern University. Initially attracted by the affordable liability coverage, Daerzio quickly realized the immense value in PAGE's professional learning opportunities and overall support of educators. Over the years, he transitioned from a PAGE member to serving on the Board of Directors and as president for 2024-25. ​ DAERZIO HARRIS Daerzio’s early involvement was driven by PAGE's commitment to professional development and educator support, crucial for teacher retention and expanding educators' knowledge. He particularly valued PAGE's advocacy efforts and its strong relationships with local districts and legislators, ensuring education and children's interests remained central to decision-making processes. ​ During his tenure with PAGE, Daerzio witnessed several pivotal moments, including navigating challenges like the No Child Left Behind Act, the Great Recession, and Dr. Allene Magill's untimely death. Despite these obstacles, PAGE remained steadfast, with leaders like current Executive Director Craig Harper maintaining and evolving the organization’s vision. ​ One standout contribution from Daerzio was his involvement as a PAGE representative on the Georgia Department of Education committee that produced the report Teacher Burnout in Georgia: Voices from the Classroom. The report is a critical resource still used by school districts to shape improvement plans and goals. ​ PAGE faced significant challenges in the past decade, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the untimely death of Executive Director Allene Magill. However, the organization persevered, continuing its forward-thinking vision and introducing innovative initiatives like PAGE educator grants and one-on-one coaching. ​ Daerzio cherishes the networking opportunities PAGE provides, allowing him to connect with educators statewide. His work on the state committee that produced the burnout report and its impact on educational leadership remains a highlight. Over the years, he has seen PAGE evolve from a liability insurance provider to a comprehensive source of professional learning and student opportunities. Daerzio envisions PAGE maintaining its relevancy by being proactive, addressing the future needs of educators and students amidst societal and political changes. He emphasizes the importance of keeping children's interests at the heart of the organization’s mission. ​ As Daerzio serves as president and eventually steps down from the board, he hopes his legacy will be as a vocal advocate for often-overlooked students and teachers, particularly in rural Georgia. He strives to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students, from metropolitan areas like Atlanta to rural communities such as Sparta and Jeffersonville. ​ Daerzio Harris's journey with PAGE exemplifies dedication, impact, and a steadfast commitment to improving education in Georgia. As PAGE celebrates its 50th anniversary, his contributions highlight its enduring legacy and future promise.

Alan Gravitt recounted the early history of PAGE at a 2024 meeting. Alan Gravitt played a foundational role in developing the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), serving as its third president during its formative years. His involvement began on the day he attended a meeting to vote against the dues of the predominant educator association. In the parking lot before going into vote, Coach Scrap Wheeler from Fulton County handed him a flyer and told him about a n ew Georgia-focused educator association being formed. Alan quickly joined these like-minded educators, often meeting in the living room of founder Paul Copeland. Soon, PAGE was the adopted name chosen to reflect their belief and commitment to teaching as a professional and honorable calling. ALAN GRAVITT The fledgling organization faced numerous challenges, from securing funds to building membership. Alan and his peers personally co-signed loans to raise the funds needed to ensure PAGE had the initial resources to be successful. They worked tirelessly to advocate for teachers and students. Early efforts included gaining visibility at the state Capitol, offering liability insurance, and providing legal assistance—services vital for an association to offer meaningful benefits to members.   As president, Alan oversaw PAGE’s growth to over 1,000 members, a significant milestone for the young organization. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, collaboration, and advocacy without counterproductive activism , distinguishing PAGE from other organizations. This approach resonated with state legislators and leaders, many of whom began to recognize PAGE as a credible advocate for educators. ​ The PAGE leadership team worked diligently to create an inclusive, welcoming professional association focused on supporting all educators, especially classroom and school-based faculty and staff. ​ Alan credits PAGE’s success to the tireless efforts of its early members, including educators like Lillian Cantrell (President 1975-1976) and Barbara Christmas Golden (President 1984-1985, Executive Director, 1994-2003), who provided guidance and inspiration. He emphasized the importance of being well-informed and professional in all interactions, a standard he carried into his advocacy work at the Capitol. ​ PAGE represented not just an organization but a movement to elevate the teaching profession. He expressed immense pride in PAGE’s growth and evolution, which far exceeded his expectations. To this day, Alan views his involvement in PAGE’s early years as one of the most meaningful accomplishments of his life.

Tim Callahan, right, with Dr. Allene Magill, left, and Tom Wommack Tim Callahan’s tenure at the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is marked by dramatic growth in the organization’s influence and growth. Arriving at PAGE in 1993 from Washington, D.C., where he had honed his public relations and education policy skills, Tim was charged with enhancing PAGE's media presence and membership outreach. His background with the National Association for State Boards of Education and a national non-profit institute equipped him well for these challenges.  TIM CALLAHAN Under Tim's direction, PAGE underwent transformative changes. He recognized immediately that PAGE had an incredible story to tell both in Georgia and nationally.  He established PAGE's public relations approach, establishing robust media connections that significantly raised PAGE's profile. His understanding of media dynamics transformed PAGE into a go-to organization for educational insights by proactively providing prompt and effective communications.   Challenged with increasing membership led Tim to recognize the inefficiency of the existing part-time membership recruitment system. He advocated for and successfully transitioned to a team of full-time Membership Service Representatives (MSRs). This shift was pivotal, significantly boosting PAGE’s visibility and membership. His approach was hands-on and results-driven, with each MSR expanding their assigned districts' membership substantially within two years.   During his service to PAGE, membership soared from 27,000 to 87,000, while the staff expanded to 45 members and the budget grew to over $12 million. Tim also saw the  expansion of PAGE’s legal services as vital to increasing membership. He understood that member educators needed robust legal support in light of the challenges they faced. He was instrumental in encouraging the legal staff to proactively provide ethics training onsite for school districts.    Tim’s tenure also saw significant educational policy engagements, particularly during challenging political times under governors like Roy Barnes, who pushed aggressive educational reforms. Tim was instrumental in supporting the organization’s executive directors as they navigated through these turbulent periods, which helped maintain PAGE’s stance and mission, focusing on educators' and students' needs rather than political expediency.   Tim recognized that educators needed quality professional development offerings, a vision later realized through expanded programs under subsequent leaders like Allene Magill. Tim believed that educating educators about legal pitfalls and proactive advocacy was as crucial as representing them in crises, an ethos that permeated his approach to expanding PAGE's services.   Reflecting on his career as he moved towards retirement in 2015, Tim viewed his work with PAGE as a highlight, proud of turning PAGE into a powerful advocate for educators. His legacy at PAGE is that of a transformative figure who left the organization vastly more capable, influential, and responsive to the needs of Georgia's educators.

Barbara Christmas Golden with Georgia House Speaker Thomas B. "Tom" Murphy. Barbara Golden, a former executive director of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), has a deep-rooted connection with the organization that spans decades. Her involvement with PAGE began early in her career, driven by a strong commitment to support and advocate for educators throughout Georgia. Over the years, she witnessed and contributed to the organization's evolution from a simple liability insurance provider to a comprehensive support system for educators, offering professional development, legislative advocacy, and leadership opportunities. During her tenure as executive director, Barbara spearheaded numerous initiatives that have impacted Georgia's educational landscape. One of her most notable achievements was expanding PAGE’s visibility with both educators and the business community. Barbara successfully negotiated the administration of the STAR Student and Teacher Program with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, putting PAGE at the forefront of recognizing the best and brightest Georgia educators and students in partnership with major businesses and industry. DR. BARBARA CHRISTMAS GOLDEN In 1993, the PAGE Board of Directors hired Barbara as the PAGE executive director to follow Jack Acree. With a membership of about 27,000 at the time, Barbara worked hard to grow membership throughout the state and to raise PAGE’s visibility in the legislative arena and the business community. She approached the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and asked to partner with them to administer the STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Program, which honors the best and brightest students and teachers throughout Georgia. This program also connected PAGE with a large number of chief executive officers in businesses around the state who sponsored the program. These connections proved to raise the visibility and credibility of PAGE and increase membership. Barbara also hired the first in-house attorney and was instrumental in rekindling the Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators (SPAGE) in Georgia colleges and universities. ​ Under her leadership, PAGE became a vital resource for educators, offering not only professional learning but also elevating its strong voice in legislative matters. Barbara was instrumental in establishing PAGE as a respected advocate in the state’s education policy discussions. She worked tirelessly to ensure that educators' voices were heard and that policies implemented at the state level truly reflected the needs of teachers and students. Her ability to build strong relationships with lawmakers and other stakeholders helped PAGE influence key legislative decisions related to teacher pay, classroom resources, and educational standards.   Barbara's journey with PAGE was not without its challenges. Leading a growing organization through periods of significant change required strategic vision and resilience. One of the significant challenges she faced was navigating the complex political environment of education in Georgia. Ensuring that PAGE remained relevant and effective in its advocacy efforts amidst shifting political priorities required continuous adaptation and innovation. Barbara was also tasked with balancing the needs of a diverse membership base, from rural educators to those in urban areas, ensuring that PAGE provided equitable support and resources to all its members.   Despite these challenges, Barbara's tenure as executive director was marked by significant accomplishments that continue to define PAGE's legacy today. She successfully guided the organization through periods of rapid growth, increasing membership, and expanding PAGE’s influence across the state. Her leadership helped PAGE become the largest and most influential professional educators’ association in Georgia, with a reputation for excellence in advocacy and professional development.   Barbara points to the work of Tim Callahan, who handled public relations and marketing as well as membership, as being influential in raising awareness of the work of PAGE throughout Georgia and growing membership. Tim was an experienced media relations professional and leveraged his connections to help Barbara tell the story of PAGE and the benefits of membership to educators. During her tenure, the PAGE membership doubled.   Barbara is particularly proud that PAGE has remained steadfast in its mission to prioritize educators' needs and influence positive change in education policy. One of her most significant contributions was helping expand PAGE’s professional learning programs, which have empowered countless educators to excel in their roles. As PAGE continues to meet educators' needs and develop enhanced benefits, Barbara remains committed to its vision, ensuring that it remains a proactive force in Georgia's education system, advocating for both teachers and their students.    Barbara’s legacy at PAGE is one of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of Georgia’s educators and students. Her efforts left an indelible mark on the organization and the broader educational community. Even in retirement, Barbara's influence can be felt through the programs and initiatives she helped establish, which continue to support and uplift educators. As PAGE moves forward, her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of leadership and advocacy in shaping the future of education. Barbara’s work has ensured that PAGE remains a beacon of support and a champion for educators, dedicated to the success of every teacher and student in Georgia.

Jill Hay joins PAGE coaches at a training session. Jill Hay was hired by PAGE in 1994 as the first staff attorney in the organization’s history, coming on board as General Counsel and Assistant Director of Legislative Services.  At the time she was hired, Hay was a licensed attorney in Georgia and Florida and had previous experience in employment law, school law, and lobbying. She had most recently been providing lobbying and legislative services for the Association of American Publishers, Georgia School Food Service Association, and the Georgia Association of School Psychologists. After becoming acquainted with Dr. Barbara Christmas and Tom Wommack at the Georgia Capitol, she was quickly drawn to the mission and work of PAGE. Soon thereafter, she was hired and has since become a vital member of the team. "I felt extremely fortunate to be in the right place at the right time in meeting Dr. Christmas and becoming a part of this valued organization at a time of enormous growth, not only in terms of member numbers but also in the various services we were able to offer,” says Hay. With Hay at the helm of the legal department, PAGE members receive unparalleled service and access to attorneys. As membership increased following Hay’s hire, so too did PAGE legal staff. As of our 50 th  anniversary year, the PAGE legal team consists of six staff attorneys and a network of attorneys throughout the state. Together, this team has become the best and most respected group of school law attorneys in Georgia.  In 2020, when Gayle Wooten retired, Hay also took on the role of Director of Human Resources. I am so proud of the cohesiveness of our team as we serve and support our educators and strive toward the common goal of higher academic achievement for Georgia’s students. “For 30 plus years, PAGE has been family to me,” says Hay. "I am so proud of the cohesiveness of our team as we serve and support our educators and strive toward the common goal of higher academic achievement for Georgia’s students."

ROGER HINES Roger Hines was part of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) since its beginning in 1975. He was attracted by PAGE's collaborative approach. Roger quickly became an active member, serving on the PAGE Board of Directors and contributing as one of the first editors of PAGE One .   Throughout his more than four decades with PAGE, Roger witnessed and contributed to significant growth and influence of the organization within Georgia's educational landscape. Key milestones included establishing a formal office, launching PAGE One, and navigating the organization through limited financial resources to increase its visibility and membership. During his tenure, PAGE's membership soared, underpinned by a philosophy focusing on collaborative educational enhancement and promoting educators as the professionals they are.   Roger's favorite memories include presenting at one of the first PAGE conferences and interacting with educational leaders like State School Superintendent Charles McDaniel, which underscored the organization's growing influence. Even after retiring from public education and moving on to other educational roles, Roger remains a proud member of PAGE, cherishing the platform it gave him and many other educators to have a voice in shaping Georgia's educational policies.   His hope for PAGE is straightforward: to maintain its integrity and active legislative involvement without drifting from its foundational principles. Roger envisions his legacy with PAGE as that of a dedicated, joyful member who contributed to sustaining the organization's focus on bettering education without succumbing to politicization. His long-standing commitment reflects a deep-seated belief in PAGE’s mission to elevate the educational landscape in Georgia through collaboration and leadership rather than confrontation.

BJ Jenkins at Mercer University's job fair. More than twenty-five years ago, PAGE implemented a new statewide recruitment model. Membership services representatives (MSRs) were hired to work in districts – each dedicated to multiple school systems.  BJ Jenkins joined PAGE staff in 1998 as the MSR for District 6. “It’s hard to believe I’ve been here over 25 years,” Jenkins says, “It seems like I just started yesterday.” Following a successful career as a child advocate, Jenkins began seeking a way to continually make a difference in the lives of educators. “Everyone needs a support system,” she observes “I have always enjoyed helping others by being a source of information, and PAGE afforded me that opportunity.” Although change is inevitable, we will continue our focus on providing the best in member services. As a new PAGE MSR serving 22 school systems, her primary responsibilities were increasing the association’s visibility by sharing the PAGE message with educators within each system and building relationships with PAGE Building Contacts (BCs), now known as PAGE Ambassadors (PAs). “I liked traveling throughout the district, visiting with BCs, and sharing PAGE information,” Jenkins recalls. “However, I quickly realized that what worked best in some systems didn’t necessarily carry over into others.”  This willingness to reflect and adapt led her to apply for a different position. In 2022, when Director of Membership Jimmy Jordan retired, Jenkins saw an opportunity to work with her colleagues in a different capacity. She applied to be his successor. “Although MSRs are located throughout the state and work independently, I thought moving to a team-centered approach and fostering more collaboration would create greater camaraderie.” The new model has proven successful. “Our focus on members’ needs is unsurpassed. Working as a team has increased our productivity, which has had a direct impact on membership. The ability to coordinate with internal departments while simultaneously disseminating information to PAs, recruiting, and meeting individual members’ needs fuels the team’s success,” notes Jenkins.  “Although change is inevitable, we will continue our focus on providing the best in member services.”