Jabari Simama, Ph.D., is a seasoned educator, executive, and former elected leader, having served for decades in Georgia and as its liaison in Washington, D.C., and demonstrating a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural competence. Educated at Harvard, Emory and Atlanta universities, Dr. Simama is the former president and CEO of Georgia Piedmont Technical College and chief of staff and deputy COO of DeKalb County, Ga. Earlier in his career, Simama was elected to the Atlanta city council where he served as a councilman from 1987 to 1994. He also worked as a professor, instructor, educator, and producer in academic and industry settings during those years. A prolific writer, he produced and presented a steady catalog of books, journal articles, conference presentations, sponsored publications, and magazine articles. Simama is currently a columnist for Governing.
