Administrative Support Recognition

TSA has become an important part of each member's education and experience in school. The support needed for TSA to survive and thrive goes beyond our chapter, to the entire school. Administrator's support our programs by ensuring technology and engineering education classes are offered, allowing us to attend these conferences, and encouraging our members to get involved and do their best in competition.

We appreciate the support of the Administrative for taking an active roll in TSA.

Year	Admin	School System
2025	Marissa Morris	Toombs County High School
2024	Linsey Shockley Joey Farah	Newton College & Career Academy Flowery Branch High School
2023	Tim Schmitt Eric Knapp	Newton County Schools Dekalb County Schools
2022	Todd Wall Tim Baisden Rhonda Samples	Effingham County Scools Pickens County High School Hall County Schools
2021	Carol Burke Brian Robertson	Assistant Principal - Newton College & Career Academy CTAE Director - Lee County Middle School
2020	Chad Walker Bryan Hicks David Sims Crystal Jordan J. Mark Smith	Principal & CEO - Newton College & Career Academy Principal - Monroe Area High School Principal - Ben Hill Middle School CTAE Department Head - Ebenezer Middle School Prinipal - Woodstock High School
2019	Dr. Margo Wimbish Dr. Rodney Swanson	Sandy Creek HS, Fayette County Schools Arabia Mountain HS - Dekalb County Schools
2018	Mark Sutton Valery Lowe	CTAE Executive Director - Ben Hill County Schools Executive Director, Academies and Career & Technical Education Forsyth County Schools
2017	Sheree Tovey Jody Reeves	Regional CTAE Supervisor, Muscogee County School District Executive Director, Academies and Career & Technical Education Gwinnett County Public Schools
2016	Tim Schmitt Jody Reeves	Newton County Gwinnett County
2015	Kevin Gaines Dr. Leslie Clark Kerensa Wing Dr. Elena Ponder Brian Hicks	Principal, Hart County High School CTAE Director, Burke County Schools Principal, Collins Hill High School Principal, Brooks County High School Principal, Monroe Area High School
2013	Roger Ivey	Rockdale Career Academy CTAE Administrator
2012	Mark Sutton	Ben Hill County CTAE Administrator
2011	Lynn Wilson	Lowndes County CTAE Administrator
2014	Dr. Pamela Pitts	Principal of Morrow High School

Tommy Pitchford & Jim Coffey Inspirational Teacher Award

In 1982, Dr. Harvey Dean, President of PITSCO, Inc. began a recognition program that honored middle and high school teachers. The Jim Coffey Inspirational Teacher Award, honored Mr. Coffey for the positive and lasting influence, which he had on Mr. Dean and many of his other students. Then in 2002, Georgia TSA lost a dear friend, Mr. Tommy Pitchford whom was also inspirational in the life of Dr. Dean and his family. In 2003, Dr. Dean requested that the Jim Coffey award be renamed as the Tommy Pitchford Inspirational Teacher Award to honor the memory of Thomas Pitchford. Mr. Pitchford was vital in creating the good natured, team spirited atmosphere of Georgia TSA. We truly miss his ability to bring out the best in those around him; however his desire to encourage students to achieve their best lives on in the Tommy Pitchford Inspirational Teacher Award and Scholarship Fund. May his memory continue to inspire and lead us to greater achievements.

Year	MS Teacher	HS Teacher	Scholarship
2025	Diane Gyles	Travis Hodges	Carson Schmitt & Avaneesh Mohapatra
2024	LaShandia Hill	Ryan Allred	Emma Grace Lumpkin
2023	Steven Wells	Philip Peavy	Brook Slone & Duyen Ngo
2022	Amber Clinton	Phil Kinneer	Karen Ji, Shreyashi Dutta & Chancellor Tanner
2021	Kimberly Acosta	Joe Fuqua	David Clemons & Brett Menard & Kevin Maranto
2020	Curt Johsnon	Tommy Nguyen	John M Gordy Adeline Fitts & Samina Patel
2019	Heather Elo	Camelia Calvert	Chris Bellflowers & Olivia Fountain
2018	Eric Knapp & Nathan Williams	Jeff Olney	Andrew Thomas & Benjamin Shifrin
2017	Christy Craven	Travis Hodges	Swapnil Lad & Clarisse Matyzyk
2016	Blaire Thrasher	John Newton & Cammie Lund	Assim Hirani & A.C. Williams
2015	Kathy Hall	Chuck Lockert	Tia Bolden
2014	Greg Terry	Jess Bush	Thomas Lebsekal
2013	David Phillips	Nick Crowder, Jim Chamberlain & James O’Connor	Wesley Newton
2012	Curt Johnson	Cory Booth	Isabella Connor,
2011	Heather Elo	Terry Cotton	Jackson Kicklighter
2010	Rob Garber	Steve Price	Nathan Bates
2009	Steve Wells	Michael Goltzer	Damon Smith
2008	Roland Williams	Mark Crenshaw	Curtis Mathis
2007	Kay Tyson	John Newton & Ricky Walker	Inga Easterling, Scholarship
2006	Carol Burke	John Kirby	Brice Fogle, Scholarship
2005	Greg Terry	Tim Schmitt & Christie Schmitt	Aaron Feldser
2004	David Phillips	Danny Webb	Blaire Thrasher
2003	Christie Schmitt	Terry Cotton	Tonya Isabell
2002	Curt Johnson	Steve Price, High
2001	Ken Mitchell	Jeff Wyrick
2000	David Bryson	Kelly Jean Fede
1999	Jeff Wyrick	John Newton
1998	Denmark Garcia	Angela Quarles
1997	Greg Terry	Scott Brown
1996	David Phillips	Garner Dewey
1995	Tom Volpe	Craig Matthews
1994	Rickey Walker	David Phillips
1993	Steve Price	Todd Vander Velde
1992	Tommy Pitchford	Keith Middleton
1991	Jeff Wyrick	Greg Martin
1990	Kirk Ware	Dwayne Hobbs
1989	Danny Webb	Walter Nix
1988	David Phillips	Michael Scoggins
1987	Walter Nix	Al Money
1986	Reid Poole	Danny Webb
1985	Charles Caldwell	Wallace Hester
1984	Tommy Pitchford	C.L. Daughtry
1983	Steve Price	Ken Mitchell
1982	Dwayne Hobbs	Jack James

National Recognition Award

Year	Advisor of the Year	Chapter of Excellence HS	Chapter of Excellence MS
2025	(MS) Diane Gyles & (HS) Travis Hodges
2024	(MS) LaShandia Hill & (HS) Ryan Allred
2023	(MS) Steven Wells & (HS) Phillip Peavey
2022	Michelle Davis & Angela Quarles
2021	Joe Fuqua & Kimberly Acosta
2020	Tommy Nguyen & Curt Johnson
2019	Camelia Calvert & Heather Elo	Program Ended on the National Level	Program Ended on the National Level
2018	Terry Cotton & Heather Elo	Parkview HS	Harris Co. Carver MS & Tucker MS
2017	Travis Hodges & Greg Terry	South Forsyth HS	Hahira MS & Franklin Co. MS
2016	John Newton & Kelley Gaines	Lowndes HS	Hart County MS
2015	Jess Bush & Kathy Hall	South Forsyth HS Gwinnett School of MST	Rothchild Leadership Academy
2014	Terry Cotton & Greg Terry	Parkview HS	Harris County Carver MS
2013	Barry Gillespie & Blaire Thrasher	Collins Hill High School	East Coweta MS
2012	Cory Booth & Curt Johnson	Monroe Area HS & Parkview HS	Hahira MS
2011	Gwen Cook	Collins Hill HS & Hart County HS	Brooks County MS
2010	Carolyn Smith Robert Garber	Dawson County HS & Lowndes HS	Marshall MS
2009	Terry Cotton Attallaka Harris-Williams	Crawford County HS & Monroe Area HS	Franklin County MS
2007	Greg Terry & Christie Schmitt	Rodney Ragsdale & Clint Johnson - Coffee HS Terry Cotton - Parkview HS	Fred Stillwell - Fannin Co. MS
2006	Michael Griffin & Carol Burke	Steve Price - Riverdale HS Donna Davis - Irwin Co. HS	Fred Stillwell - East Cobb MS
2005	Steve Price & Kae Tyson	John Newton - Lowndes HS Tim & Christie Schmitt - Lovejoy HS	Ken Mitchell - Toombs Co. MS
2004	Steve Price & David Phillips	Terry Cotton - Parkview HS John Kirby - Mt. Zion HS	David Bryson - Fannin Co. MS
2003	Ken Mitchell - Toombs Co. MS	Michael Griffin - Toombs Co. HS Crimora Stanley - Fitzgerald HS	Christie Schmitt - Lovejoy MS
2002	Charles Kachmar	Steve Price & Dianne Irwin	Curt Johnson
2001	Scott Brown	Mark Flowers & Tim Schmitt	Ken Mitchell
2000	John Newton	Scott Brown & Reginald Wade	Greg Terry
1999	Jeff Wyrick	John Newton & Kelly Jean Fede	David Phillips
1998	Greg Shouse	Angela Powell & Tommy Shrouder	Tom Volpe

Additional Awards

2016

• Verizon App Challenge Best in Nation - Johns Creek HS
• TEAMS National Runner-up - Woodstock HS
• National President - Jack Crawford

2019

• LEAP Legacy Chapter - Pickens High School - 3rd Place

2017

• LEAP Legacy Chapter - Woodstock High School - 5th Place

1997

• Inaugural LEAP Legacy Chapter - Lowndes High School

GaTSA Legacy Award

The GATSA Legacy Award recognizes individuals who have served in many roles that have contributed to the betterment, growth and well-being of our association for an extended amount of time . These members of the GATSA family will forever be part of the legacy of this great organization.

Year	Honorees	Accolades
2025	Harvey Dean	Dr. Harvey Dean has been a longtime supporter of Georgia TSA, with a legacy rooted in his profound dedication to education. As President of PITSCO, Inc., Dr. Dean is a visionary leader whose journey has been defined by a passion for empowering both students and educators. In 1971, he co-founded PITSCO with two fellow teachers, aiming to provide hands-on science, math, engineering, and technology products that engage and excite students. Over the years, PITSCO has become a leader in educational innovation, significantly impacting millions of students worldwide. Programs like the TSA Dragster Competitions and various STEM products, including drones, rocketry, robotics, bridge building, and aerospace challenges, continue to inspire students. In 1982, Dr. Dean initiated a recognition program to celebrate middle and high school teachers as chapter advisors, originally named the Jim Coffey Inspirational Teacher Award. This award paid tribute to Mr. Coffey's profound influence on Dr. Dean and countless other students. In 2003, the award was renamed the Tommy Pitchford Inspirational Teacher Award, honoring the memory of Thomas Pitchford, who had a profound impact on Dr. Dean and his family. Dr. Dean's dedication to education extends beyond recognition programs. As the founder and former director of the Business & Technology Institute at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, he also served as President of the Tourette Syndrome Association and LEGO Education, a joint venture with PITSCO and LEGO. He has authored three books: “Changing Education,” “Manufacturing: Industries and Careers,” and “The Hot Plan.” PITSCO's unwavering support for TSA events, both in Georgia and nationwide, exemplifies Dr. Dean's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in education. After five decades in business, he and his wife Sharon retired in 2021, selling PITSCO, Inc. to PITSCO Education, LLC. They currently reside in Pittsburg, Kansas, enjoying life with their three adult children, Barry, Krista, and Jered, and their 12 grandchildren. As we present the Georgia TSA Legacy Award to Dr. Harvey Dean, we celebrate his extraordinary journey, dedication to education, and enduring legacy. Thank you, Dr. Dean, for your support and inspiration.
2025	George Ray	Mr. Ray's journey with Georgia TSA began as a high school student, where he served two terms as the president of our organization. Under his leadership, his officer team established the Chapter Officer Retreat for Excellence (CORE), a conference that has been a cornerstone of Georgia TSA for the past 20 years. His passion for TSA did not wane after graduation; he remained an active alumnus, continuously supporting the organization and serving in advisory capacities on the Georgia TSA Board of Directors. Professionally, Mr. Ray is a lawyer and lobbyist with Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP in Atlanta. In this role, he represents education, non-profits, and other clients before the Georgia General Assembly and the State's agencies. His expertise in developing and implementing strategies at each stage of the legislative and regulatory policy processes has made him a highly respected figure in his field. A 2009 graduate of Georgia Tech with degrees in Public Policy and Management, Mr. Ray first worked at the State Capitol as a legislative intern to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. After graduation, he joined Tech's Office of Government and Community Relations, where he represented the Institute before state legislators and policymakers. His dedication to furthering his education led him to receive his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2015. Throughout his career, he has lobbied for STEM education and support for Career and Technical Student Organizations. Mr. Ray's contributions to engineering education and Georgia TSA are significant and far-reaching. His leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of STEM education have inspired countless students and educators. His work has laid a strong foundation for future generations of leaders in the field of engineering and technology. Although Mr. Ray is not able to join us this evening due to the legislature being in session, please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved honor, celebrating his remarkable contributions and lasting impact on engineering education and Georgia TSA.
2025	Paul Camick	Dr. Camick currently serves as the Program Specialist for STEM, Manufacturing, and Energy at the Georgia Department of Education. His dedication to refining course standards to align with industry expectations and emerging educational trends has set a high benchmark for educational excellence. Moreover, his efforts in developing and conducting professional development workshops for educators demonstrate his unwavering commitment to promoting best practices in STEM and technical education. Dr. Camick's profound dedication to the Georgia TSA has been evident throughout his career. As a local advisor, district, and statewide supporter, he has consistently championed the mission of Georgia TSA. His contributions have extended to multiple terms on the Georgia TSA Advisory Council and Board of Directors, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's future. In addition to his commitment to Georgia TSA, Dr. Camick has an impressive array of accolades that reflect his expertise and impact in the field. He is recognized as an ITEEA DTE Professionals and has received numerous awards, including the Prakken Professional Cooperation Award, the ITEEA Council for Supervision and Leadership Distinguished Service Award, and the ITEEA Council for STEM Leadership Administrator of the Year Award. Named Georgia ACTE eTED Administrator of the Year multiple times, Dr. Camick has also been honored as Tucker High School and Cross Keys High School Teacher of the Year. Dr. Camick's involvement in various professional organizations and committees at both the state and national levels showcases his dedication to advancing engineering and technology education. His career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in STEM education.
2024	Creighton Alexander	This year Georgia TSA would like to recognize an individual who is no longer with us, but whose contributions are still a significant part of the legacy of our organization. Our final Georgia TSA Legacy Award is being presented posthumously to Dr. Creighton Alexander. He began his educational career after graduating from Murray Vocational High School, Charleston, SC. He graduated from the University of North Carolina State with a doctorate in Industrial Education, master's degree from North Carolina State, and a Bachelor of Science degree, Clemson University. Dr. Alexander taught many years at Georgia Southern University's College of Education. Just ask any of his students - or “his kids" as he liked to call them and they will tell you that "Doc" was passionate about teaching and loved seeing his students find success. He worked tirelessly, advocating and promoting at both the state and national the importance of technology and engineering instruction. His legacy will live on in the people he loved and met and his beloved students.
2024	Alan Money	Mr. Money began teaching Industrial Arts classes in the fall of 1975 at Forsyth County High School and was the co-sponsor of the Forsyth County Chapter of GAIAC. As GAIAC became AIASA and then TSA, Mr. Money was the advisor to multiple state officers including the 1988-89 state treasurer, Travis Harris and the 1990-91 state president, Rodney Martin - who are going to join us on stage now to finish presenting this award. In 1983, Mr. Money was elected to serve on the Georgia AIASA Advisory Council and he served on that board until 1995. During that time he was the advisor to four state president, four state sergeant at arms, a state treasurer, a state reporter and a national AIASA treasurer. His chapter won numerous state and national awards, including Outstanding Chapter. In 1990, Mr. Money was one of the first high school teachers in Georgia to convert an Industrial Arts shop into a Technology lab. In 1994 he was appointed to serve on a strategic planning committee to guide technology in Forsyth County Schools.In 1995 Allen was appointed one of the state’s first Instructional Technology Specialists and spent the next five years teaching teachers how to use computers and how to integrate them into their curriculum. By 2000 Mr. Money took on the role Allen was tagged to fill the role of Coordinator of Technical Services and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2009 and having served thirty-four years as an educator in Forsyth County. Mr. Money certainly was a Legacy to both Forsyth County and to Georgia TSA. Congratulations, Mr. Allen Money
2024	Christie Schmitt	For over two decades Dr. Schmitt has instilled a culture of innovation and excellence in Engineering and Technology Education programs across the state. Dr. Schmitt began her teaching career in 2001 and has taught at Lovejoy Middle School, Lovejoy high School, Pike County High School, Arabia Mountain High School and now at Ola High School. Dr. Schmitt has served multiple terms on the Georgia TSA Advisory Council and Board of Directors, having served as the Board Secretary and the Advisory Council Chairperson. She is an REC Foundation Robotics Event Partner and hosts the Georgia VEX State Championship as well as the Georgia VEX IQ Middle School State Championship. She has been the advisor to 25 VEX World Qualifying Teams and the Advisory to 15 Georgia TSA State Officers and 2 National Officers - including her son, our Georgia TSA president - Carson Schmitt. She has had 10 students participate in the Governor’s Honors Program. Dr. Schmitt is actively involved in many professional organizations, including currently serving as the secretary for Georgia eTED. She has received numerous accolades, notably the ITEEA Distinguished Technology Educator - DTE citation. As your supervising teacher 25 years ago, I’m so proud of your accomplishments and contributions to our profession, Dr. Christie Schmitt.
2024	Timothy Schmitt	Dr. Schmitt began his career in 1999 teaching Engineering and Technology Education at Lovejoy High School and then transitioning into the Work-Based Learning coordinator position. Dr. Schmitt worked as the CTAE SChool Improvement Specialist for Clayton County Schools from 2007-2009. He then returned to the classroom at Arabia Mountain High School. From 2001-2014, Dr. Schmitt served as the CTAE Instructional Coordinator for Dekalb County Schools. In 2014 he became the Director of CTAE and Workforce Innovation for Newton County Schools. Dr. Schmitt continues to contribute toGeorgia TSA, coordinating the Georgia TSA VEX Tournaments for both the Fall Leadership Conference and the State Leadership Conference. He received numerous accolades as an engineering teacher and as an administrator, including the TSA Administrator of the Year and the ITEEA Outstanding Local Administrator. Thank you for your contributions, Dr. Tim Schmitt.
2024	Jess Bush	Mr. Bush has been a TSA advisor since 2002 and has served as the local advisor at Dade County High School, Swainsboro High School, Monroe Area High School, Burke County High School, and Toombs County High School. He first joined the Georgia TSA Board of Directors in 2005 and has served 5 different 3 year terms, serving as an executive board officer multiple times, most recently as president. He has served as an event coordinator or manager each year and currently takes the lead to coordinate with board members and the Georgia National Fair liaison to ensure that the guidelines are updated for Tech Day. Mr. Bush is actively involved in many professional organizations including GETEA, GACTE and Georgia eTED and has received numerous accolades, most recently being named Toombs County High School’s Teacher of the Year. Thank you for all you do for Georgia TSA, Mr. Jess Bush.
2024	Greg Terry	Mr. Greg Terry was an Engineering and Technology Instructor for grades 6-12 for 28.5 years. He was selected as Teacher of the Year for his school on 3 different occasions as well as the Lowndes County Schools System Teacher of the Year in 2017. Mr. Terry’s TSA chapter was recognized as one of the top chapters in the state of Georgia and won numerous awards on the national level. He served as the advisor to multiple state and national officers. In 1997 Mr. Terry received the Jim Coffey Inspirational Teacher Award and was also a two time recipient of the Tommy Pitchford Inspirational Teacher Award. He was recognized as a middle school National TSA Advisor of the Year in 2014 and again as a National TSA Advisor of the Year on the high school level in 2017. In 2021, retired from public education and joined Ace Electric as their training manager where he provides the training and opportunities for Ace employees to excel in the electrical industry. Thank you for your contributions to Georgia TSA, Mr. Terry.
2023	Don Morgan	Mr. Morgan graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1976 and began teaching horticulture at Lloyd High School in Erlanger, Kentucky in 1976-77.  He then moved to Quitman, Georgia where he taught agriculture from 1977-1981.  Mr. Morgan took a hiatus from teaching for a little while. He returned to teaching in 1999 at Quitman Elementary School and then began teaching Technology Education and Engineering in 2002 at Brooks County High School. He was recognized as the STAR Teacher in 2013-14. During this time he also led 4th and 5th grade STEM Summer Workshops. Mr. Morgan’s TSA chapter was one of ten schools selected to pilot VEX robotics in Georgia and they competed at the World Finals in their second year. Morgan was the president of the teacher’s organization, GETEA in 2012-13. He was a Georgia TSA event coordinator and manager and served multiple terms on the Georgia TSA Advisory Council and Board of Directors, but one of Mr. Morgan’s greatest contributions has become one of Georgia TSA’s very popular signature events at our Fall Leadership and State Leadership Conferences, the Electrathon. In 2008, Mr. Morgan founded Georgia Electrathon and he was instrumental in bringing the competition to Georgia TSA. He coordinated all of the Georgia TSA Electrathon events through 2017. He is currently semi-retired.
2023	David Shepard	Mr. Shepard began teaching in Montgomery, Alabama in 1995.  In 1996 he moved to Georgia.  In 2004 he began teaching Technology Education in Peach County and became a TSA advisor.  In 2006 he returned to his alma mater, Crawford County High School where he has taught Technology Education, Manufacturing, and Engineering.  His TSA chapter has been an Electrathon participant since the early years of the competition and he  has had multiple state champions in a variety of events including Chapter Team and Flight Endurance.  He attributes his success in TSA to the network of friendships that have become like family.  He has served multiple terms on the Georgia TSA Board of Directors.  He has coordinated and managed many Georgia TSA events through the years and served as a National TSA coordinator for Software Development and for Flight. Mr. Shepard has been the “voice of Georgia TSA” announcing for many of the sessions and Awards Ceremonies for the past eight years.
2023	Barry Gillespie	Mr. Gillespie  graduated from Central Connecticut State College in 1981 with a teaching degree in Industrial Arts Education. He began his teaching career working for Trumbull Connecticut Public schools for six years as both a metal shop and wood shop teacher. While in Connecticut he obtained his Master of Arts in Teaching Degree. After moving to Norcross Georgia, he taught wood shop and Technology Education at Summerour Middle School for five years and then transferred to the then-new Collins Hill High School where he taught Drafting, Architecture and Pre-Engineering for 19 years. There he started the school’s TSA chapter. The chapter attended multiple state conferences and national conferences, consistently finishing at the top. Mr. Gillespie was twice recognized as the TSA Advisor of the year, served as the advisor to multiple state officers, and served on the Georgia TSA Advisory Council. After retiring in 2013 he took a part time job at Peachtree Ridge where he again started a new TSA chapter. For eight years they attended the state conference and multiple national conferences, bringing home numerous top three trophies. In 2021 Mr. Gillespies completely retired from teaching. Over the years Mr. Gillespie helped to start numerous TSA chapters in Gwinnett County, and he continues to volunteer with Georgia TSA.
2023	Tommy Pitchford	Awarded Posthumously - Mr. Tommy Pitchford was a leading figure in Georgia TSA during his 30-year career as a teacher at Valdosta Middle School. He started teaching industrial arts in 1970 after graduating from Berry College. He grew the program’s offerings from a woodworking class to also include drafting and graphic arts. Seeing the important role that technology plays in our society, he guided the program’s shift into the technology and engineering focus that continues today at Valdosta Middle School. Mr. Pitchford believed strongly in the importance of offering students opportunities to expand their learning and to build leadership skills through TSA. Not only did he sponsor a successful TSA chapter at Valdosta Middle School, but he also helped start a chapter at Valdosta High School. Other TSA advisors looked to Mr. Pitchford as a mentor as they launched their chapters. Mr. Pitchford’s students found success at state and national TSA conferences for many years. His students won numerous individual, team, and chapter awards at the conferences. His students have also served in state and national officer roles. After retiring from teaching in 2000, Mr. Pitchford continued to support Georgia TSA as a volunteer. Some of the awards Mr. Pitchford received include: Valdosta Middle School Teacher of the Year, - Georgia Vocational Association Educator of the Year, American Industrial Arts Association Teacher of the Year, TSA Advisor of the Year, Jim Coffey Inspirational Teacher Award, TSA Honorary Life Member Award and Georgia TSA Volunteer of the Year. When Mr. Pitchford passed away in 2002, the Jim Coffey Inspirational Teacher Award, which was sponsored by PITSCO and Mr. Harvey Dean, was renamed the Tommy Pitchford Inspirational Teacher Award as requested by Mr. Dean and the Pitchford family provided the Tommy Pitchford Scholarship was created in his honor. GA TSA later continued the scholarship. Mr. Pitchford loved Georgia TSA, he believed deeply in the mission of Georgia TSA, and he contributed to the positive culture of Georgia TSA. He is certainly a part of the Legacy of Georgia TSA.
2023	C.L. Daughtry	Awarded Posthumously - Mr. C.L. Daughtery  began his teaching career in 1968 at Suman Junior High School in Savannah, Georgia.  In 1969 he moved to Wilkinson County.  Mr. Daughtry had a break in teaching and joined the US Army where he served overseas.  Upon returning, he began teaching  in Jenkins County. In 1980 Mr. Daughtery was named the Jenkins County Teacher of the Year.  He was the recipient of the Jim Coffey Inspirational Teacher Award in 1984 and was the 1985 Industrial Arts Level 2 Advisor of the Year. His Technology Education program was the GITEA and ITEA Program of Excellence in 1997.  That year he was also a state level semifinalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year. He was the Jenkins County STAR Teacher in 1988. During his 32 years at Jenkins High School, Mr. Daughtery supervised 52 student teachers, many of whom are still involved with Georgia TSA including the Program Manager for CTAE at the Department of Education, Mr. Roger Ivey - and myself . In 1987 he was recognized as Georgia Southern University’s Outstanding Supervising Teacher of the Year. Once Mr. Daughtry retired from the classroom & became the technology support person for Jenkins County. He taught for two years at Georgia Southern University before retiring to manage his farm. Mr. Daughtry passed away in 2019, but his legacy to Georgia TSA lives on through all of those he influenced.
2022	David Richardson	Mr. David Richardson has been a long time supporter Georgia AIASA, and TSA for many years. He began working for Learning Labs Incorporated in 1978, but the company was actually founded by his mom and dad back in 1967.  Mr. Richardson first started judging for our organization when our state conference was held at the Castlegate Hotel in Atlanta off of Howell Mill Road.  He judged the electronics competition for years –but then started judging drafting and CAD as technology progressed.  He was instrumental in getting VEX and TSA together in the early days of VEX robotics . Mr. Richardson am now getting closer to retirement but will remain involved with Learning Labs and with Georgia TSA.
2022	Robert Fields	Mr. Fields began his teaching career at Loganville High School before serving in the US Army.  He then returned home and began teaching at Madison County High School. He started the Industrial Arts club at Madison County High School in 1981 when TSA was known as AIASA.  He was there 1986.  He then moved schools to Oglethorpe County High School in the fall of 1987 and began teaching industrial arts where he also sponsored an AIASA chapter. He continued sponsoring the AIASA chapter at through the name change to TSA until he changed careers in 1998 – when he became the Technology Coordinator of Oglethorpe County Schools. Mr. Fields served on the Georgia TSA Advisory Council in 1992.  In total, he was a sponsor of AIASA-TSA from 1981-1998 and took students to state & national competitions almost every year.  He had students who held state and national offices during his years of sponsorship Mr. Fields also served as the Vice President and President of the Georgia Vocational Association (now known as GACTE)  In 2004, he retired from education with a total of 35 years of service in education.
2022	Mel Coker	Mel joined TSA (then GAIAC) when she was in 7th grade at Summerour Middle School and was part of the organization for 6 years (then GA AIASA) until she graduated from Norcross High School.  She was fortunate to hold several local offices, as well as be National Treasurer in 8th grade, State VP in 10th grade and State President in 12th grade.  The learning and experiences Mel had in TSA were instrumental in her life and career and she has served as a volunteer with and supported the organization since graduating high school (over 30 years).Mel received a degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State.  She is also a licensed electrical engineer in the State of Georgia. Mel began her career as an Outside Plant Engineer with BellSouth (now part of AT&T) designing telecommunications networks.  She held a wide range of jobs over her career in operations, marketing and strategy before retiring as the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations - AT&T Services where she led strategy, consumer research, business analytics and operations for the $110 billion+ annual revenue Consumer line of business.  Mel currently serves on the OnePIN, Inc., Advisory Board, the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Electrical and Computing Engineering Advisory Board. In addition to supporting GA TSA, she has co-founded and facilitates the EMBARC program, coaching underrepresented engineering students on soft skills.
2022	Kelly Gaines	Awarded Posthumously - Mrs. Kelly Gaines, advisor to Hard County Middle School, who we lost last school year. She was the wife of Hart County High School Advisor, Greg Gaines. Kelly taught engineering and video production and was the STEAM Coordinator. She was the Teacher of the Year in 2019-2020. She was loved in the community and by her students and TSA members. She was a volunteer and taught many interest sessions at conferences. Kelly made some great contributions to our organization
2022	Ray Ginn	Awarded Posthumously - Ray Ginn was the State Director for Industrial Arts Education as well as the original State Advisor for the Georgia Industrial Arts Clubs - before the National Association even existed.
2022	Harold Quinn	Awarded Posthumously - AIASA advisor for Newton County High School was hired as Assistant Director of Industrial Arts Education. Mr. Quinn produced many state officers including another Legacy Award recipient, our own Roger Ivey. He served as State Advisor for GA AIASA through 1986.
2022	Berley Ruiz	Awarded Posthumously - Berkley Ruiz, was the original advisor to Winder Barrow High School, one of the original chapters that formed GAIAC (Georgia Industrial Arts Clubs) He was elected as the very first Chairman of the Advisory Council. His chapter produced the very first student association state president.
2021	William Hicks	Long time Teacher/Advisor. GA AIASA alumni from Carrolton High School, graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Taught at Colquitt County Jr. High School, Lee County High School, Carrollton High School and is the teacher/Advisor at Tucker High School in Dekalb County. Served several terms on our Advisory Council and Board of Directors, Event coordinator or Manager of events at countless GA TSA Conferences.
2021	John Newton	Award winning GA AIASA and GA TSA Teacher/Advisor at Lowndes High School through 2016, Board member. His program produced 6 state officers, including three State Presidents and four National Officers including 1 national President. CTAE Director for Lowndes County Schools from 2016 to 2021. Three time Inspirational Teacher Award winner, two time National Teacher of the Year and four time National Chapter Excellence Award winner and GA TSA Administrator of the Year.
2021	David Phillips	Long time Teacher/Advisor for Franklin County Middle School and for a time advised the Franklin High School chapter as well. Under his tenure at Franklin County Middle School, That program set middle school level records for winning in GA TSA. His middle school program won 22 State Championships from 1990-2014 and named National Chapter Excellence 5 times. His High Franklin High School Chapter produced four state officers, 2 were State Presidents.
2021	Walter Eugene Nix III	A long time Teacher/Advisor and TSA Leader. He began at West Fannin Jr. High School. His students and his Fannin County programs were known throughout the state and nation for excellence and produced a state officers including a state president there, started the Fannin County High School program in 1990 and produced two more state officers, one being elected president also producing a teacher/TSA Advisor – Mrs. Angela Quarles. That chapter won 3 National Outstanding Chapters. “Fort Nix”, the name given to his lab, was famous. At Gilmer High School, he was Teacher of the Year. Multiple Inspirational Teacher Award winner and national advisor of the year. Mr. Nix is now teaching teachers at Truitt McConnell College.
2021	David Stewart	A Teacher/Advisor for the majority of his 42 year teaching Career. Attended the first ever GAIAC conference in 1962. Advisor for Lyons Jr. High where they won 6 consecutive Outstanding Chapter championships and National AIASA overall championships four years in a row. He also taught at Worth County Jr. High and Lyons High School until 1988. Also advised undergraduates at GA Southern University. He became Assistant Superintendent for Toombs County Schools. Served in many leadership roles in GAIAC, GA AIASA and GA TSA. He was on the National Association Board of Directors. He has since retired, and for 30 years has continued to support and participate in TSA as a volunteer State Conference Judge.
2021	Clifford Holmes	The Original GA AIASA State Advisor for GA, Former Industrial Arts Teacher and DOE leader. He taught in Houston County as an Industrial Arts teacher, moved to assistant principal, principal, Supervisor of Vocational Education, Coordinator for Vocational Education, Director of Vocational Education, Assistant-to-Superintendent of Schools and Director for CTAE From 1978 to 1980, Mr. Holmes worked in Atlanta, at the Georgia Department of Education where he served as State Advisor to the Georgia Industrial Arts Clubs (GAIAC) and Consultant in the Vocational Education Department, Industrial Arts Division. He managed the transition of GAIAC to AIASA as the first State Advisor of GA AIASA, which we know today as TSA. Mr. Holmes retired from the Houston County School System as a full¬time employee but remained in a part-time position as Executive Director for Career, Technical and Agricultural Education through 2006.
2020	Terry Cotton	Multiple State HS Championship Advisor/2 time Inspirational Teacher/GA TSA Board Member/GA TSA State Officers/National TSA Event Coordinator/2 time National Advisor of the Year
2020	Ron Barker	Multiple State HS Championship Advisor/2 time Inspirational Teacher/GA TSA Board Member/GA TSA State Officers/National TSA Event Coordinator/2 time National Advisor of the Year
2020	Robert Garber	Advisor/Multiple GA TSA State Officers and National Officers/GA TSA Board Member/GA TSA Board President/National TSA Event Coordinator/National Advisor of the Year
2020	Michael Goltzer	Multiple State HS Championship Advisor/1 time Inspirational Teacher/GA TSA Board Member/GA TSA State Officers/National TSA Event Coordinator
2020	Steve Price	Multiple State MS & HS Championship Advisor/Multiple National MS National Championships/GA TSA Board Chairman/Multiple GA TSA State Officers/4 time Inspirational Teacher/GA TSA State Advisor/National TSA Event Coordinator/Designed National TSA Logo/3 time National Advisor of the Year/National TSA Board President/National Competitive Events Committee Manager/TSA State Advisor of the Year/38 Consecutive GA TSA State Conferences
2019	Angela Quarles	Member/Advisor/Multiple GA TSA State Officers/Inspirational Teacher/GA TSA Board Member/GA TSA Board Chairperson/National TSA Event Coordinator
2019	Dewayne Hobbs	Member/State President 70-71/Multiple State Championship and National Championship MS Advisor/Multiple GA TSA State Officers/2 time Inspirational Teacher/DOE Division Manager/Attended 50 consecutive GA TSA State Conferences
2019	Roger Ivy	Member/1980 State Treasurer/Advisor/CTAE Administrator/DOE Program Specialist/TSA Corporate Board Member