Sarah Richards brings over two decades of service as an educator and a passion for literacy to her role as the Georgia Literacy Coach. Over her 21-year career, Mrs. Richards has been committed to positively impacting student achievement. She served as a classroom teacher and literacy master teacher leader with Atlanta Public Schools, and as an elementary instructional administrator, supporting curriculum and data for Title I schools in Fulton County. As a statewide coach with the Governor’s School Leadership Academy, Mrs. Richards fostered the professional growth of teachers in rural and urban communities across Georgia.
Mrs. Richards holds an M.Ed. in Education Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa. Her strong foundation of literacy knowledge is rooted in the science of reading and supported by training in the Orton-Gillingham approach, certification through the Rollins Center/Cox Campus, and a reading endorsement.
Mrs. Richards is dedicated to advancing literacy outcomes to build a brighter future for all of Georgia’s children.
Scott Johnson was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp in June 2023 to Chair the Georgia Council on Literacy. Scott is president & principal owner of Southern Strategic Solutions, a business and government consulting firm based in Marietta. He serves on the Georgia Board of Human Services, and previously served as Chairman of the State Board of Education. He is a graduate of Leadership Cobb and the Coverdell Leadership Institute.
Joy Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Georgia State University and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Georgia State College of Law.
She began her career in state government in the Senate Research Office where she served as director for five years. She worked under Governor Sonny Perdue’s administration as a Policy Analyst and Deputy Chief Operating Officer. Joy served as Education Director for the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Director of Grants and Scholarships for Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). She also began the REACH GA Foundation at GSFC where she guided the board’s fundraising efforts to support the program. After leaving GSFC, she led a literacy movement, serving as director of Literacy For All.
In 2019, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Joy as Executive Director of Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, a PreK-20 and workforce agency. As part of her current responsibilities, she serves as co-chair of the Georgia Children's Cabinet.
She is a native of Georgia and has two grown children. Joy resides in Sandy Springs with her other “children,” two dogs, Scarlet and Milly.
Rotary Club of Atlanta West End
800 Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA 30308