Envision Athens, Inc. Board of Directors has unanimously voted to hire visionary leader Sally Kimel-Sheppard as its executive director. The announcement comes as the organization continues its community-wide efforts to develop a common vision for the future of the Athens-Clarke County community.

“The board is excited to have Sally at the helm of Envision Athens, Inc.,” according to Northeast Georgia Regional Director of Georgia Power Jeff Petrea.  “She brings a proven track record of board organization as well as passion and commitment to Athens-Clarke County. Her relationships with community educational and public safety partners will enable her to immediately begin building upon the great foundation that has been put in place heretofore.”

As executive director, Kimel-Sheppard will be responsible and accountable to the board, represent Envision Athens, Inc. in the community and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as ensuring its mission is moving forward in our community.

Kimel-Sheppard most recently served as the executive director of The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Social Control and has a master’s degree from the University of Georgia in Social Work.

“I am honored to be the executive director of Envision Athens Inc. and look forward to working with the board, agency partners, and the Athens community,” said Kimel-Sheppard.  “I am excited for the opportunity to express my love for Athens, a town full of growth with such an important history, as we continue collaborative community development focusing on the values of unity, prosperity, equity, and compassion.”

The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce will host a reception for Kimel-Sheppard on April 25 from 4:30-5:30.  The address for the reception is 246 West Hancock Street and will be open to the public.  

The search was led by Victoria Prevatt, Good Works, LLC and included committee members David Bradley, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce; Imani Carter, Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender; Elaine Cook, Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation; Kay Keller, United Way of Northeast Georgia; Rick Parker, Athens Housing Authority; and Michele Pearson Tucker, Edward Jones Financial Advisors.