During its Thursday, Aug. 11 meeting, the Clarke County Board of Education approved the hire of Wesley Mellina as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Athens Community Career Academy (ACCA). Located on the historic H.T. Edwards Campus, ACCA was founded in 2011 and offers a unique and innovative environment for high school students in the Clarke County School District. The program provides career-focused, college-level courses at no cost to students through an established partnership with Athens Technical College and offers students the opportunity to participate in high school career pathways.

Mr. Mellina, who has served as the academy’s Workforce Development Coordinator since 2018, brings to his new role extensive experience in promoting workforce development opportunities for students and helping students develop and prepare for their post-secondary plans. As CEO, he will work with CCSD’s high schools, students, and families to develop personalized plans for accessing college and career programs and collaborate with the local business community to develop internships and experiences while promoting economic development.

“The Athens Community Career Academy provides an amazing opportunity for our students. Mr. Mellina's experience with this program will provide the leadership needed to expand our efforts in workforce development,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas. “He has shown a commitment to developing strong community partnerships and will continue to advance our efforts to establish career pathways aligned with the needs of local business and industry.” Prior to his time at ACCA, Mr. Mellina was an Academic Support Specialist from 2015-2018 at Clarke Central High School, where he also served as Work-Based Learning Coordinator and as a Family Engagement Specialist.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Columbus State University. "As Workforce Development Coordinator, I have been fortunate to be a part of an amazing Athens Community Career Academy team that is passionate about preparing CCSD students for college and careers,” said Mr. Mellina. “It is truly an honor to be named CEO of ACCA and to have the opportunity to continue to expand academic and career opportunities for students and contribute to the economic development of our Athens community." For information on the Athens Community Career Academy, visit https://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/acca.