Valdosta City Schools proudly announces the promotion of Mr. Gene Fandel to Executive Director of Human Resources & Talent Development, effective July 2025. With a career that blends strong educational leadership and a deep understanding of school operations, Mr. Fandel is uniquely positioned to lead the district’s efforts to recruit, hire, and retain exceptional educators who will support student success at every level.
Mr. Fandel most recently served as Principal of Valdosta Middle School, where he was instrumental in building a strong, student-centered school culture and helping the school earn both the Georgia Department of Education’s Military Flagship and Diamond Star School designations. Throughout his time as a school leader, he has prioritized teacher growth, instructional quality, and the importance of community partnerships.
In his new district-level role, Mr. Fandel will work closely with school and district leaders to identify, develop, and support top-tier talent across Valdosta City Schools. His passion for leadership and people development will guide his efforts in aligning HR practices with the district’s strategic vision.
“I am truly honored to step into this new role with Valdosta City Schools,” said Fandel. “Serving this incredible community is both a privilege and a responsibility that I deeply value. I am committed to working collaboratively with our students, educators, families, and community partners to create a nurturing and empowering environment where every student can be successful. At the heart of that work is ensuring that we have the very best people in every classroom and every department.”
Superintendent Dr. Craig Lockhart praised Fandel’s vision and leadership: “Mr. Fandel is not only a strong school leader, but also a relationship-builder and systems thinker. He understands the critical importance of staffing our schools with educators who are both highly qualified and deeply committed. His leadership will play a vital role in shaping the future of our workforce.”
Mr. Fandel holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University and has served in various leadership and instructional roles throughout his career. His background includes experience in public safety, emergency management, career and technical education, and school administration, all of which contribute to his broad perspective and service-oriented leadership style.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Fandel as he embarks on this new chapter in service to Valdosta City Schools.