DEF Names Ricky Hyde as New Executive Director

After a months-long search process, the Decatur Education Foundation board is pleased to announce the appointment of Ricky Hyde as its new Executive Director. The current executive director, Gail Rothman, announced in January that she will step down at the end of the nonprofit’s fiscal year. Mr. Hyde will begin his position in June 2023.

Mr. Hyde’s background in program development and management combined with his experience in incorporating diversity and inclusion standards will help further the foundation’s mission of helping every Decatur student to learn and thrive. “The DEF board and staff are excited to welcome Ricky and his wealth of experience to DEF,” said Maria Pinkelton, DEF Board Chair. “His proven commitment to centering youth voice and youth experience, leading work in the fields of innovation and equity, and his long history in the nonprofit and education spaces are qualities that set him apart.”

Mr. Hyde comes to DEF with a wide range of managerial and grassroots experience in both the non-profit and education industries. Most recently, he worked as director of iProject in the upper school at Mount Vernon School.

“As an educator and nonprofit leader in Atlanta, I’ve worked to bring together diverse perspectives and voices to make education more engaging, accessible, and equitable for all students,” Mr. Hyde said. “It’s an honor to join the Decatur Education Foundation as executive director. I look forward to continuing DEF’s legacy of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.”