The Gwinnett Chamber was joined by more than 300 attendees to honor Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks. Surrounded by many of his closest friends throughout his tenure, Mr. Wilbanks’ influence was palpable inside the Gas South Convention Center.
Beginning his career with Gwinnett County Public Schools in 1996, J. Alvin Wilbanks contributed immensely to the success of the Gwinnett County’s education triumphs. Wilbanks ended his tenure at the end of July. During his time as Superintendent he led the district with stable, convicted leadership in becoming a world-class school district. His long and celebrated career in education has shaped much of Gwinnett through district guidance during a time of great growth in the county. Prior to joining the GCPS Wilbanks was the founding president of Gwinnett Technical Gwinnett College. His contribution has garnered national acclaim with Gwinnett County schools earning the Broad Prize for Urban Education in 2009, 2010, and 2014. In 2018, Mr. Wilbanks and the Gwinnett County Board of Education were recognized as the “Governance Team of the Year”. In addition to his professional accolades, Mr. Wilbanks has amassed civic recognition earning the Gwinnett chamber of Commerce’s “Citizen of the Year” award as well as the Boy Scouts of America’s “Distinguished Citizen Award”.
Wilbanks was honored at a farewell luncheon at the district’s central office, aptly named for the superintendent.
Last week, July, 30, 2021, the Gwinnett County Board of Education unanimously voted to approve Calvin J. Watts as Gwinnett’s newest Superintendent. Watts has 13 years of experience in Gwinnett County previously serving as Assistant Superintendent of School Improvements and Operations. Most recently, Dr. Watts served as the Superintendent of Kent School District in Greater Seattle, WA.
Gwinnett Chamber Source: https://www.gwinnettchamber.org/business-community-salutes-superintendent-j-alvin-wilbanks/