ACTE Announces Georgia Executive Director of Career Technical & Agricultural Education as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Rhonda Samples, Executive Director, Career Technical & Agricultural Education at Hall County Schools in Gainesville, GA as the 2025 ACTE Region II Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative career and technical education (CTE) professionals at the school, district, county, state or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective career and technical education programs.
Rhonda Samples is a champion for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) in Hall County, with over four decades dedicated to the field. As the former CEO of Lanier College Career Academy and the current Executive Director of CTAE, she has consistently empowered middle and high school students through career pathways, work-based learning, and student organizations. Rhonda actively supports Georgia Department of Education initiatives and collaborates with the Hall County Chamber of Commerce, local colleges, businesses, and community organizations to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
Throughout her distinguished career, Rhonda has held numerous leadership roles in the Hall County School District, beginning as a Marketing Education teacher. She holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Marketing, a master’s degree in marketing education, and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising. Her dedication has earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious Gallup Outstanding National Marketing Education Educator Award, Georgia Work-Based Learning Administrator of the Year, and the Georgia TIEGA Administrator of the Year. Additionally, Rhonda has been recognized with a special Community Service Award and the Pioneer in Education award for her significant contributions to the community.
Rhonda is also a highly sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator in the education sector, consistently sharing her insights and best practices to further elevate the field of education.
Samples is one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
###
About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
