“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Whitney McGinniss is a dedicated public servant, with 20 years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors. Whitney has worked with families and youth in various roles, including as a Food Stamps and Medicaid caseworker, suicide prevention counselor, reproductive health educator, and homelessness prevention caseworker. After receiving her master’s degree, Whitney moved into administrative and leadership positions, developing and evaluating programs, maintaining and analyzing data, writing and managing grants, and promoting continuous quality improvement for several local nonprofit organizations.

Whitney’s commitment to service has included extensive volunteering in public schools. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Whitney joined the US Peace Corps, where she taught middle school Science and English in Kenya. Whitney has also volunteered with Communities in Schools, Girls on the Run, and as a GED tutor for pregnant teenagers. When Whitney became a mother, she joined her local school’s PTA, participating in grounds clean-up days and advocating for better school facilities. Prior to serving on the DeKalb County School Board, Whitney was a member of the Principal Advisory Council (PAC) for Druid Hills Middle School.

Whitney received a K-12 public education in Tallahassee, FL, where she graduated valedictorian from the School for Applied Individualized Learning (SAIL High). Whitney has associate degrees in liberal arts and graphic design from Tallahassee Community College. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in public policy from Georgia State University. Whitney maintained a 4.00 GPA throughout her college career and has been honored with several educational and research achievement awards.

Whitney lives in Decatur with her husband (Brad), middle schooler (Lee), and their two mini-poodles (Fluffy and Shadow). In addition to her role on the School Board, Whitney serves on the board of the Laurel Ridge Shamrock Civic Association, helps conduct the City of Atlanta’s annual homeless count, and participates in “get out the vote” efforts each election cycle. She enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, home improvement, thrifting, and current events.