Georgia Humanities Announces New Board Members and Board Leadership
Atlanta, Georgia—Georgia Humanities welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors in 2024: Mary Kay Murphy (Peachtree Corners) and Lara Bush Norris (Perry). They join a committed team working to create opportunities for people throughout Georgia to learn, grow, and engage with the humanities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lara and Mary Kay to our board,” said Cameron Bean, the newly elected board chair of Georgia Humanities. “Their skills and experience will help advance our mission to enrich lives and broaden perspectives.”
In addition to the new members, Georgia Humanities is pleased to introduce its new executive committee. Cameron Bean, as board chair, is joined by Lisa J. Smith as vice-chair, Joseph B. Alonso as secretary, and Delores Lazare White as treasurer.
The Board of Directors plays an essential role in guiding Georgia Humanities’ strategic direction, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and representing diverse perspectives from across the state. Members serve three-year terms and are selected for their expertise, leadership, and commitment to the humanities.
“As we embark on a new chapter with our board, we remain dedicated to connecting people and communities through the humanities,” said Laura McCarty, president of Georgia Humanities. “With the support of our board, staff, and the communities we serve, we are excited about the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.”
New Board Members
Mary Kay Murphy’s professional experience combines seven years of teaching with over three decades of fundraising for educational institutions, raising over $475 million for academic programs, faculty research, and capital projects. She holds a Ph.D. in education administration from Georgia State University, a master’s in education and English from Emory University, and a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Loretto Heights College. Among her many community commitments, Murphy has volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, been elected six times to the Gwinnett County Board of Education, and served as the first female president in eighty years of the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta.
Lara Bush Norris is an educator with over 27 years of experience working at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She began her career in Houston County, where she worked for 14 years, and then worked in Bibb County for 10 years. Norris served as the graduation coach at Howard High School for three years, a counselor at Rutland Middle School for three years, and the junior and senior counselor at Rutland High School for four years. She currently works for Peach County Schools, where she serves as CTAE Director and Lead Counselor for the district. She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Mercer University, a master’s degree in school counseling from Valdosta State University, and a specialist degree in leadership and administration from Georgia College and State University.
About Georgia Humanities
Through inclusive grants and programs, Georgia Humanities connects people and communities to spark curiosity, share ideas, amplify stories, and inspire action. Funding for Georgia Humanities is provided by the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and various foundations, donors, and partners.
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