Foothills Regional High School Superintendent Dr. Dale Simpson has implemented a new leadership structure designed to strengthen support for sites, clarify responsibilities, and better align district leadership with the organization’s strategic priorities.
Foothills is an accredited public high school that provides students with flexible pathways to graduation through 15 in-person locations, a virtual campus, and partnerships with school districts across Georgia. To date, Foothills has helped more than 3,500 students graduate.
Since becoming superintendent in spring 2025, Simpson has focused on creating a more connected and responsive leadership structure. A key part of that work has been expanding regional leadership through four Area Directors who provide more direct support to Foothills sites and programs.
Kelly Akin, Area One Director, supports the Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Madison, Morgan and Oglethorpe sites.
Linda Boyd, Area Two Director, supports the Barrow-Russell, Barrow-Sims, Jackson, Social Circle and Walton sites.
Scott Carrier, Area Three Director, supports Foothills Virtual, the Youth Challenge Program and the district’s alternative education initiatives.
Thad Dixon, Area Four Director, supports the Baldwin, Bibb, Butts and Jasper sites.
The Area Director structure creates clearer connections between district leadership and individual Foothills locations, giving site leaders more direct access to guidance, resources, and decision-making support.
Foothills has also realigned several district-level leadership roles to support its 2023-2028 strategic plan.
Bonnie Knight has been promoted to Executive Director of Operations, overseeing finance and human resources and supporting the district’s Operational Effectiveness priority. Knight was part of the founding team for Foothills and has served the organization since 2015.
Todd Nickelsen has been promoted to Executive Director of Student Success, leading work connected to Future-Ready Graduates and student support. Nickelsen has served with Foothills since 2020 and brings extensive experience supporting students, leaders, and districtwide initiatives.
Shenley Rountree has joined Foothills as Director of Communications & Workforce Initiatives, leading communications, stakeholder engagement and efforts to strengthen connections between students, career preparation, employers, and community partners.
Together, these leadership roles are designed to strengthen coordination across the district while keeping support close to the students, sites and communities Foothills serves.
“This is not simply a change in titles or reporting structure,” Simpson said. “It is a deliberate effort to place leadership closer to our students, our sites and the communities we serve. By aligning people, responsibilities and resources with our strategic priorities, we can better support students and strengthen operations.”
Foothills’ 2023-2028 strategic plan centers on four pillars: Future-Ready Graduates, Supportive Culture, Operational Effectiveness, and Stakeholder Engagement. The updated leadership structure supports that work by creating clearer responsibilities, stronger regional support, and greater coordination across the organization.
About Foothills Regional High School
Foothills Regional High School is an accredited public high school that provides students with flexible options to earn a high school diploma. Students may enroll part-time while remaining at their resident high school or full-time through Foothills. Virtual enrollment is also available. Foothills provides individualized academic support and opportunities, including dual enrollment, the Accelerated Career Diploma, technical training, and industry-recognized credentials to help students prepare for graduation, continued education, and the workforce.
Media Contact:
Shenley Rountree, Director of Communications & Workforce Initiatives