Governing Board
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Eric González is an equity-driven, strategic leader with over two decades of experience advancing educational opportunity for students of color and marginalized communities through program management, policy advocacy, and coalition-building. Raised in an under-resourced New York City community, Eric’s trajectory was transformed by access to high-quality education—an experience that fuels his lifelong commitment to dismantling inequitable systems. As co-founder of Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn, he led operations and postsecondary readiness initiatives from 2013 to 2023, scaling systems and partnerships to achieve a 93% graduation rate and an 85% postsecondary persistence rate—far exceeding city and state averages. He currently leads ERG Consulting, LLC, where he supports schools and organizations through strategic planning, stakeholder alignment, and fundraising, including a $3.5M campaign to expand educational programming. His prior work as Education Policy Advocate for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund advanced restorative justice and PBIS nationwide and shaped federal education policy. A Fulbright fellow and Urban Scholar, Eric holds graduate degrees from Harvard and MIT, where his research focused on educational equity, policy reform, and community development. He also serves as the Founding Board Chair of the Academy for Innovation in Medicine.
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Lauren Wright is the Director of Health Education and Career Pathways at Grady Health System, where she leads initiatives such as the Teen Experience and Leadership Program, Work-Based Learning, and other programs that provide immersive opportunities for students to explore healthcare careers. With more than a decade of experience in youth development, program management, and academic advising, she has designed and scaled initiatives that foster academic achievement, personal growth, and career readiness.
Lauren is recognized for blending empathy and equity with data-driven strategy to achieve measurable outcomes, build sustainable partnerships, and expand opportunities for students. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana State University and is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of leaders to reflect, set bold goals, and pursue their passions with confidence.
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Jon Safran is a business executive with a demonstrated history of success in the diversified industrial, consumer products, technology, and retail / recommerce industries. He focuses on driving profitable growth through innovation, market segmentation, new product development, and operational excellence – all backed by an intense focus on building an aligned and accountable team that delivers great service and value to the customer.
Jon has held leadership roles across several functions including general management, business development, marketing, finance, investor relations, strategic procurement, and finance. He currently is the Chief Operating Officer of Alotech, Ltd. which is a company that developed and owns the Ablation processes and technologies, which combine the high strength properties of forging with the geometric flexibility of casting – this enables Alotech’s customers to reduce the weight while also improving the strength of their metal parts. Prior to that, Jon was recognized as one of the Most Admired CEOs of Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2023 for his work leading KEH Camera.
Jon has always been passionate about education and the need to increase the breadth of educational opportunities available to students. He received an MBA from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College, where he earned the Ivy Award as the outstanding man of the graduating class. He is a member of both the Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma academic honors societies.
Jon is happily married to Nicole Safran and they have two sons, Joshua and Isaac.
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Lyric Smith is currently a Fundraising Director at Public Service Partners and has been enthralled in Atlanta’s political scape since 2016. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic prowess in managing over 100 political and project-based campaign initiatives. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for community engagement, Lyric has organized successful fundraisers and events for candidates, elected officials, and community leaders. She is known for her ability to cultivate strong relationships with donors, community organizations, and governmental officials, furthering the organization’s mission and impact.
In addition to her role as Fundraising Director, Lyric has also served as the Director of Operations Administration at the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she effectively managed office operations, engaged with the community, local businesses, and chamber members. Her commitment to efficiency and excellence resulted in the successful implementation of key initiatives.
Lyric holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University. A dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the community through her work in public service and community. With her track record of success and dedication to excellence, Lyric continues to be a driving force in advancing the missions of the organizations she serves, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she touches.
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Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Brianna T. Smith has always had a deep passion for creativity, community and to impact society. In 2017, Brianna graduated from The Howard University, obtaining her Degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Relations. During her undergraduate career, she became immersed in the campus and community life, exhibiting her desire to serve others on a wider scale.
In 2019, Brianna obtained a scholarship to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School where she would serve on the Exec Board of various organizations, including President of the Student Bar Association her 3L year, and under her leadership as SBA President, created the "Dream Closet" where students of the law school are able to donate and receive business professional and casual clothing for use throughout their legal journeys.
Brianna currently practices Entertainment, Business and Intellectual Property Law as an attorney with a boutique law firm, Arrington & Phillips, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia. Brianna works with a wide range of talent such as DC Young Fly, Lil Baby, Kevin Gates, NBA Youngboy, Sexyy Red, Quando Rondo, Tanerélle, Lil RT, Rob49 and grammy nominated producers, as well as film production companies, business owners, a few Fortune 500 companies and many more.
Brianna is a professional member of the Recording Academy and an active member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy. Brianna currently serves on the executive board of the State Bar of Georgia's Entertainment and Sports section for the 2024-2026 term, the founding E-board for the Gate City Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and received recognition as 'Top 40 under 40' from the National Black Lawyers Association class of 2024. Brianna is also a member of the Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys, and the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association. Brianna is an active volunteer and devotes her time to her community by teaching Brand Development classes to the unhoused and volunteering monthly.
Brianna's life mantra and motivation is "[s]uccess is not determined by where you are but by how many people you are able to help get in your same position."
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Jenay Hicks is a visionary Licensed Clinical Executive Trauma Therapist and well-being strategist dedicated to transforming workplace cultures and empowering professionals. Her intimate understanding of the challenges that arise from feeling unseen and burnt out fuels her commitment to creating inclusive, supportive work environments.
Her journey began at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she discovered her passion for addressing the mental health needs of high achievers. Initially serving as the Associate Director of Graduate Medical Education, Jenay gained invaluable insights into the mental health challenges faced by medical professionals. This experience guided her transition to the role of Associate Director of Counseling Services and Resident Well-Being, deepening her impact in mental health care
Now, as a Founding Board Member of the Academy of Innovation in Medicine (AIM)—Georgia's first proposed STEMM-focused public charter school set to open in August 2026—she has come full circle. Additionally, Jenay serves as the Pathway Program and Well-being Consultant for the Office of Health Equity at Grady Hospital, where she spearheads the Work-Based Learning program.
Jenay's innovative "Just Breathe" curriculum is the cornerstone of her holistic approach, combining trauma-informed techniques with mindfulness strategies and resilience-building exercises. Through her private practice, Free Thinkers Psychotherapy and Consulting, she provides individual and group therapy, executive coaching, and wellness workshops. Her dedication to uplifting underserved communities is evident in her efforts to reduce stigma and raise awareness around mental wellbeing.
Her core belief is that "achievers who prioritize wellness foster thriving workplace cultures." By challenging traditional organizational development approaches, Jenay champions a future where well-being, innovation, and personal growth are intrinsically linked. Through her work, she aims to create a world where every professional feels empowered to use their unique gifts to make a positive difference, ultimately contributing to more resilient and adaptive organizations.
Upcoming Meetings
OCTOBER 2025
Governing Board Meeting: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 7pm via Zoom.
Governing Board Meeting: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7pm via Zoom.
Minutes
NOVEMBER 2025
Governing Board Meeting: Wednesday, November 8, 2025 at Correll Pavilion, 80 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
ACCOMMODATIONS: Reasonable efforts will be made to assist and accommodate persons with a disability. Please contact Dr. Kristy Beam at 678-227-0640. The request should be made as early as possible to arrange the accommodations, no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: The Public Comment time period is for the public to address the Committee. Those who wish to speak must sign-up at least one hour before the start of the meeting using this form. Speakers may have up to three minutes to speak.
Open Records Request
Under the Georgia Open Records Act (OCGA §50-18-70 to §50-18-77) all public records are available for inspection and copying unless they are specifically exempted from disclosure under the law. If a government agency or custodian of public records withholds a public document from production under an Open Records Request, they will cite to the provision of Georgia law that exempts the record from being produced. Please submit requests to Dr Kristy Beam at KBeam@aimgeorgia.org.