James F. Austin III brings over a decade of executive leadership experience in Georgia’s public schools, where he has served as Chief Financial Officer and currently as Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations. In these roles, he has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, capital planning, school safety, facilities management, transportation, and nutrition services—ensuring schools operate efficiently while staying centered on student success. James has led strategic initiatives that strengthened financial sustainability, improved operational systems, and positioned districts to thrive despite resource challenges.

As a founding board member, James leverages his expertise in education finance and operations to help establish a strong foundation for growth. His experience balancing fiscal responsibility with innovative school design provides valuable guidance as the school prepares to deliver a world-class PK–12 education to Georgia students.

James earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Morehouse College and a master’s in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and is pursuing advanced credentials in accounting and educational leadership, as well as a doctoral degree at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. Above all, he is most proud of being a dedicated father to his two children, Taylor and Tyler.

Alena Conley is an executive coach, writer, and cultural strategist passionate about identity-driven leadership and education. As the founder of The Reminder Remedy™ Coaching Company and creator of the Lifecrafting™ and Identity OS™ frameworks, she equips high-achieving individuals and organizations to align authenticity with performance. With over 15 years of experience in organizational and talent development—including roles at JPMorgan Chase, The Lip Bar, and The Kyra Company—Alena brings deep expertise in curriculum design, leadership development, and cultural transformation. A mother of four and a lifelong advocate for holistic learning, she is committed to creating inclusive environments that nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and personal sovereignty. Her work bridges positive psychology, human design, and modern workplace strategy, making her a unique voice in shaping the future of identity-centered education.

Demetric L. Hillman is an accomplished leader with more than 18 years of experience in global clinical research and a strong foundation in education. She currently serves as Senior Global Clinical Project Manager II, where she directs complex international clinical trials, manages cross-functional teams, and drives operational excellence, business development, and regulatory compliance.

Her professional journey began in the environmental research and chemistry field before transitioning to the classroom, where she taught middle and high school science and later served as faculty in Anatomy and Physiology. At Augusta University, she advanced into higher education as a Clinical Research Training Coordinator. As a visionary leader, Demetric is also a dedicated mentor, trainer, and advocate for diversity in clinical research—developing curriculum, facilitating training programs, and championing community engagement to broaden representation in clinical trials and reduce health disparities. Her dual expertise in education and science uniquely positions her to foster academic innovation, curriculum development, and real-world learning opportunities.

Demetric is also deeply engaged in community service, having served on the Augusta University Community Engagement and Outreach Advisory Board, the Family Y Executive Board, and several educational advisory boards. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she has a long-standing commitment to mentorship, equity, and student success.

With her background as both an educator and research leader, Demetric brings vision, strategy, and a passion for student-centered growth to her role as a Founding Board Member of the charter school.

Gerald Reid - Strategy and Operations Leader

Gerald is an accomplished operations professional with expertise in program management, compliance, and financial stewardship across both public and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves with Gwinnett County, where he oversees the Housing Rehabilitation and Down Payment Assistance Programs, and is pursuing an Executive MBA at Georgia State University to strengthen his leadership and business strategy skills. Driven by a passion for growth, innovation, and community impact, Gerald is eager to bring his strategic mindset to SCOM. He is committed to advancing the school’s creative, inquiry-based educational model, which nurtures curiosity and adapts to the unique learning styles of today’s students, helping prepare them for a future of limitless possibilities.

Hyla-Monét Penn is an expert in leadership and organizational development with 18 years of experience in education, including 12 years leading a K-8 charter school and network. A proud graduate of Spelman College with a Master of Arts in Elementary Education, she is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Organizational Development. Hyla-Monét’s deep understanding of leadership dynamics, along with her passion for empowering others, drives her work at H-Monét Penn Consulting, LLC, where she coaches leaders across education, non-profit, business, and local government. Her leadership approach balances heart and strategy, helping organizations build high-performing teams and create sustainable impact. Hyla-Monét’s work is rooted in a human-centered philosophy, emphasizing the development of adaptive leadership skills and the cultivation of positive organizational cultures. Outside of her consulting work, Hyla-Monét is a dedicated wife to Jonathon and mother to three children: Havyn-Jolé, (17) an incoming freshman at Georgia Tech, Jaxon (10), and Jagger (6). She’s also a workout enthusiast and a sports superfan, especially when it comes to football and basketball. As an active member of her community, Hyla-Monét is dedicated to striking a balance between her family, fitness, and professional endeavors, all while inspiring others to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Dr. Orlando McCleod is currently a Sr. Level Consultant within the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry specializing in Program Development Clinical Management. He has more than 30 years of research experience and has managed more than 50 research projects both domestically and international. He has experience in managing Phase I – IV studies.

Dr. McCleod has more than 25 years of clinical experience in developing and managing studies in the therapeutic areas related to diseases of the liver; including cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. His other areas of therapeutic experience consist of; asthma, COPD, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, IBD, oncology: breast, gall bladder, head and neck, kidney, lung, stomach and prostate. He also has experience in biology and device studies.

Dr. McCleod has experience in managing open-label; double-blind; single and double-crossover study designs. His experience in study designs also includes endpoint management.

Dr. McCleod also served as Global Project Manager at UCB and Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Project Manager for CSL Pharmaceuticals, and has consulted with many pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare companies on research and development.

Dr. McCleod has accumulated over twenty years of experience in contract and budgeting negotiations for sponsors, clinical sites, and CRO vendor contracts. Ensuring study timelines were met and stayed within budget. Provided invoice oversight to ensure clinical sites and study vendors were compensated within contract timelines.

Dr. McCleod has served board appointments to Howard Brown Health centers, Chicago, IL, Fairburn Health center, Fairburn, GA, and Institutional Review Board, Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA.

Dr. McCleod currently resides in Atlanta, GA.

Lamont Jones is a proud husband of 30 years, father of five, and a dedicated advocate for families and communities. A native New Yorker and retired NYPD 2nd Grade Detective, Lamont has spent his life at the intersection of service, mentorship, and transformation.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of The Furthering Fathering Corporation, established in New York in 2013 and expanded to McDonough, Georgia in 2014, Lamont has created a powerful platform that uplifts fathers and families through advocacy, training, and community-based support. His work has reached countless households through leadership programs, workshops, and partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and faith organizations, empowering men to become active, present, and purpose-driven fathers. A Master Certified Life Coach, Anger Management Specialist, and author of multiple books and curricula focused on fatherhood and leadership, Lamont's approach blends personal experience with practical tools that strengthen families from the inside out. His influence extends beyond coaching; he is a trusted community leader who understands the lived realities of the families SOCM aims to serve.

Clarissa L. Weaver serves as Deputy Director of Community Investment Services (First Vice President) at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, where she has built a distinguished career since 2006. She provides strategic leadership for all Community Investment programs—including the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), Multifamily Housing Bridge Fund, and Workforce Housing Plus+—driving mission alignment, risk oversight, and long-term growth.

Clarissa earned her Master of Public Administration (Management and Finance concentration) from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Spelman College. She has also completed leadership training through Pathbuilders Percepta and Achieva programs and United Way’s Board Member Training initiative.

Clarissa is also deeply committed to community service, serving as Angel Tree Chair for FHLBank Atlanta’s Community Involvement Committee, Board Member and Treasurer for Building Strong Futures, Inc., and volunteer with Kate’s Club.