Literacy Action, Georgia’s largest nonprofit provider of adult basic education, has named Kerry McArdle as its new Executive Director, effective December 4.
McArdle is currently Managing Director of Advancement at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, a network of eight public charter schools serving Atlanta’s underserved communities. Prior to KIPP, Kerry worked as Director of Leadership Development at Gwinnett County Public Schools through the Broad Residency in Urban Education after a twelve-year corporate career at Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola Enterprises.
“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” reported Althea Broughton, a partner at Arnall Golden Gregory law firm and Literacy Action Board Chair. “Kerry will bring energy, passion, leadership, and creativity to Literacy Action’s programs. Her educational experience and commitment are a perfect fit for our mission.”
McArdle is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and served as an English teacher in the Peace Corps before coming to Atlanta to earn her MBA from the Goizueta Business School of Emory University. She also is involved with community organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors at the Horizon Theatre.
McArdle succeeds Kate Boyer, who was named Interim Executive Director in May. Boyer, who was serving as Literacy Action’s Deputy Director, agreed to take on the role on an interim basis after Austin Dickson left to serve as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. “It has been honor to serve as Interim Executive Director. I look forward to working with Kerry to continue to be the leading provider of free adult basic education services as we work to build a more literate workforce,” said Boyer.
“It’s exciting to take on this leadership role with such a vital organization in Atlanta. As Literacy Action is preparing to celebrate its 50th year of service, I look forward to continuing to advance nearly five decades of impact to our students’ lives and to our community,” McArdle said in a statement.
In the coming year, Literacy Action will continue to focus on its student-centered mission by providing exceptional programming for adults seeking literacy and work skills, as well as raising awareness on the low-literacy epidemic in the Atlanta region and throughout Georgia.
