ACTE Announces Georgia Executive Director as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Tiffany Barney, Executive Director of the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy, at Cobb County School District in Marietta, GA as the 2026 ACTE Region II Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Dr. Tiffany Barney currently serves as the Executive Director of the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy at Osborne and the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy at Allatoona, where she leads innovative initiatives designed to expand access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE). Prior to her appointment in Cobb County, she worked as a CTAE Program Specialist for the Georgia Department of Education, supporting healthcare science, law and public safety, and cosmetology. Her career in education also includes roles as a teacher, instructional coach, and adjunct professor, following an earlier career as an athletic trainer for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.
A dedicated advocate for student success, Dr. Barney has spearheaded programs that ensure alignment with industry standards while preparing students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers. One of her most significant contributions was securing a $2 million partnership with Wellstar Healthcare to create a workforce pipeline for Cobb County students. She also led the development of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) pathways, giving students opportunities to earn credentials and college credit while still in high school—addressing both workforce shortages and student readiness for future careers.
Her leadership has also extended to early curriculum development, where she worked with stakeholders to revise middle school exploratory courses and create vertical alignment into secondary pathways. This work encouraged stronger partnerships with business and industry across Georgia, ensuring students have seamless transitions and meaningful opportunities.
In Cobb County, Dr. Barney’s vision brought the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) to life at the height of the pandemic. Today, CITA serves as a national model for career academies, offering state-of-the-art facilities, dual-enrollment courses on campus, and fully funded Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) memberships and travel. The success of CITA has spurred the district to invest in two additional career academies, representing more than $34 million in new facilities and expanding access to transformative CTE experiences for students.
Her accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as an ACTE Fellow, National Administrator of the Year for College and Career Academies, and selection for both the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 and Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40. In 2017, she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Georgia, and she currently holds seven degrees, with an eighth to be completed in December 2025.
Throughout her career, Dr. Barney has remained passionate about opening doors for students. “Every initiative I lead is centered on ensuring students have equitable access to opportunities that prepare them for lifelong success,” she said.
Barney is one of five finalists for the 2026 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 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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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.
