Meet the Deal Center Team

Dr. Lindee Morgan

Executive Director

Dr. Lindee Morgan is a licensed speech-language pathologist with three decades of varied experience in higher education and the public/private sector. She's conducted extensive research and has expertise in securing significant research funding through grants, private donations and corporate contributions.  

In 2023, Dr. Morgan was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as a member of the Georgia Council on Literacy. She’s also a current fellow of the Education Policy Fellowship Program, a national professional development program sponsored by the Institute for Educational Leadership. 

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    Dr. Amanda Rutter

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

    Amanda Rutter, Ed.D., has over 14 years of experience as a professor and early childhood educator. Dr. Rutter previously served as Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator at the University of Texas Permian Basin and the University of Northern Colorado. Her research focuses on supporting men in early childhood education, bridging early education with theatre for the very young, and promoting student success. She is passionate about preparing young children to become confident, successful readers through strong early learning foundations.


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    Katrina Davis

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II

    Katrina has more than 14 years of administrative support experience in the private and nonprofit sector. She’s lived in Jones County for over 30 years with her husband, and they have two daughters.

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    Kimberly Scott

    ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE MANAGER

    Kimberly has 20 years of experience in administrative services with the last 15 years in the hospitality sector. She earned her bachelor’s in business administration from Georgia College & State University in 2008. She lives in Putnam County with her family.

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    Julie Sirmans

    PROGRAM MANAGER

    Julie has over 25 years of experience in public and private education. She’s served as a teacher, consultant, specialist and assistant principal in the education field. She holds a bachelor’s in music education, a master’s in early childhood education and an education specialist’s degree in educational leadership.

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    Caroline Lacksen

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

    Caroline has nearly a decade of experience in elementary education. She’s obtained a bachelor’s and master’s in early childhood education from the University of Georgia. She also holds gifted, ESOL and dyslexia endorsements.

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    Amy Reddick

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

    Previously, Amy served as a Language and Literacy Mentor for the Department of Education. In this position, she worked closely with the Deal Center to provide mentoring opportunities to district and school- based literacy coaches

    In addition, she holds an endorsement in reading instruction and a Dyslexia Endorsement from the University of Georgia.

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    Kelly Chester

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

    Kelly Chester brings 29 years of educational experience dedicated to ensuring every child learns to read. A passionate advocate for evidence-based instruction, she collaborates with schools, families, and communities to empower literacy leaders and create equitable reading systems.

    Kelly has worked as a teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, and tutor, giving her practical insight into classrooms and systemic change. As a National Structured Literacy Facilitator with an Ed.S. in Literacy, she translates research into high-impact practices. Her personal experience as a parent of a child with dyslexia deepens her empathetic, advocacy-driven approach.

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    Amanda Vining

    PROGRAM ASSISTANT

    Amanda has a bachelor’s in biology from Georgia College & State University and has spent the last 13 years working in the nonprofit sector. She serves on the Georgia Children’s Book Awards committee and lives in Putnam county with her family.

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    Ryan Hersh

    GRANTS ADMINISTRATOR

    Ryan has a bachelor’s in finance and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and leadership from the University of Georgia. He has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and lives in Putnam County with his family.

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    Kristen Simpson

    MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

    Kristen has five years of experience in journalism and public relations. She holds a bachelor’s in communication from Georgia College & State University.

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    DATA ANALYST I

    Hiring soon.

Georgia College & State University Leadership

  • Cathy Cox

    PRESIDENT

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    Dr. Holley Roberts

    PROVOST & VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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    Dr. Mandy Jarriel

    INTERIM ASSOCIATE PROVOST FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS