FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2024
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Georgia Executive Director of Career Technical & Agricultural Education as 2025 National Award Winner
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 National Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative 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. The Administrator of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox.
Rhonda Samples, a visionary leader and tireless advocate for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), has been named the National Administrator of the Year. With over four decades of dedicated service to the Hall County School District and the broader CTE community, Rhonda’s work has profoundly impacted students, educators, and industry partners alike.
As the former CEO of Lanier College Career Academy and the current Executive Director of CTAE for Hall County, Rhonda has championed career pathways, work-based learning opportunities, and student organizations that empower middle and high school students. Her collaborative efforts with the Georgia Department of Education, the Hall County Chamber of Commerce, local colleges, businesses, and community organizations have strengthened the bridge between education and the workforce, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future success.
Rhonda’s career began as a Marketing Education teacher, and her dedication to professional growth has led her to earn an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Marketing, a master’s degree in marketing education, and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Gallup Outstanding National Marketing Education Educator Award, Georgia Work-Based Learning Administrator of the Year, and Georgia TIEGA Administrator of the Year. She has also received special honors such as the Community Service Award and the Pioneer in Education award for her lasting contributions.
A sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, Rhonda continually shares her expertise and best practices to inspire and elevate the education sector. Her passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence in CTAE have transformed countless lives and set a high standard for educational leadership.
This national recognition celebrates Rhonda’s remarkable career, her outstanding achievements, and her lasting impact on the field of Career and Technical Education. Her legacy of innovation, advocacy, and empowerment continues to shape the future of education.
Samples was one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill 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.
