Frank Sinkwich III assumed the role of chairman of the Athens Academy Board of Trustees in July 2023. Mr. Sinkwich succeeded Carl Nichols, who served as board chairman from 2021-2023. The Board of Trustees voted on this succession earlier this year.

As a member of the Class of 1989, Mr. Sinkwich is the first Athens Academy alumnus to serve as chairman of the Board. A trustee for over a decade, Mr. Sinkwich is a longtime member of the Finance Committee and most recently served as the committee chair. He and wife Lacy are the parents of two children, both of whom are graduates of the school: Frank IV (Class of 2017) and Adeline (Class of 2021).

Mr. Sinkwich is the president of Northeast Sales Distributing (Athens) and Skyland Distributing (Asheville, North Carolina). He is the third generation to lead the companies founded by his grandfather, Heisman Trophy Winner Frank Sinkwich, Sr. Mr. Sinkwich attended Athens Academy for fourteen years and went on to graduate from the University of Georgia, where he studied classics.

Mr. Sinkwich is only the sixth chairman in Athens Academy’s 57-year history. Founding Chairman John Wilkins led the Board of Trustees for 42 years, until his passing in 2008. Mr. Wilkins was followed by Board Chairs Gene Howard, James L. “Jimbo” LaBoon, Jr., Beth Sanders, and Carl Nichols.

“As a graduate of Athens Academy, it is a great honor to assume the role of chairman of the Athens Academy Board of Trustees,” says Mr. Sinkwich. “I feel very fortunate to have been able to experience the school through the eyes of a student, a parent and a trustee. It truly is a special place where excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student comes first. I am grateful for the Athens Academy community and look forward to serving in this new role.”

Head of School John Thorsen expressed his deep respect and gratitude for both Mr. Sinkwich’s and Mr. Nichols’ service and leadership: “We have been fortunate to have such tremendous leadership on the Board of Trustees, and we are grateful to all of our trustees who have served Athens Academy so well over the decades. Serving as chair takes a great deal of responsibility and time, and I know Frank’s passion and dedication to his alma mater will serve Athens Academy well.”

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 57th year, Athens Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens, #9 college prep school in the state of Georgia, and #1 private school in Northeast Georgia (Niche.com).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at [email protected] or 706-433-2410.