GeorgiaFIRST and Our New Co-Leadership Roles

July 25, 2025

The GeorgiaFIRST Board of Directors previously announced that Connie Haynes would be retiring as CEO.  Over the past few months, the Board has undertaken an extensive and intentional review of the duties and responsibilities involved with leading our state-wide organization.  Due to the growing complexity and scope of executing and expanding a platform of programs that extends across the K-12 spectrum and the State of Georgia, the Board of Directors has decided to implement a co-leadership model involving two Director level positions instead of one CEO role.  The new model will enable the organization to achieve its growth plans while ensuring team, volunteer, and stakeholder support across all platforms.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the following two individuals will be leading the organization under the new co-leadership model:

Beth Culp – Director of Operations

Beth Culp has served GeorgiaFIRST for more than 14 years as a volunteer, member of the State FRC Leadership Planning Committee, Lead Pit Administrator, and Event Manager.  Beth has also supported the accounting and purchasing processes of the organization for many years and has been a key go-to person who can solve problems, find solutions, and manage unexpected issues. Beth has extensive knowledge and understanding of all GeorgiaFIRST programs and our Board is grateful that she will be remaining with the organization in this new role – a role that aligns extremely well with her skillsets. As the Director of Operations, Beth will lead the planning and executing of all events (competitive & non-competitive), oversee inventory and procurement processes, manage day-to-day accounting processes and annual financial audits, and oversee our state-wide DE field infrastructure. Beth has already begun to transition into her new role.

Debra Cox – Director of Strategy & Development

Debra Cox joins GeorgiaFIRST from the 21st Century Partnership in middle Georgia where she has played a key role in engaging stakeholders, school systems and investors in transforming the workforce development strategies of the region.  Debra and her team have utilized FIRST Robotics as a core solution to engage youth and schools in the region to develop STEM skills needed for local employers.  As part of the 21st Century Partnership, Debra utilized her skills in marketing, fundraising, and communications to drive results and bring together the middle Georgia community.  She has volunteered with GeorgiaFIRST for the past several years and has a passion for the mission and purpose of the organization.  As the Director of Strategy & Development, Debra will lead all fundraising and partnership development efforts, lead strategies for team growth and retention, oversee the GeorgiaFIRST Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) process, lead marketing and communications efforts, and lead volunteer recruitment and retention strategies. Debra will officially join the organization effective August 18.

The Board and Connie Haynes are collectively working on an onboarding plan to support both Beth and Debra in their new positions.  Together with our amazing volunteers, coaches, mentors, and partners, we will all work to ensure that FIRST in Georgia continues to provide high quality STEM experiences for the youth of our state. 

Thank you all for your support as the GeorgiaFIRST organization navigates this leadership transition.

Brian Cooksey                                                                              

President – GeorgiaFIRST Board