Dr. Jimmy Stokes’ involvement in NAHO began because he presided, as a hearing officer, over student discipline cases in five middle-Georgia counties. Like many school hearing officers, Jimmy began his professional life teaching school. He was a Chemistry teacher, a coach, and a school principal before becoming a hearing officer, and even found some time to do some sports officiating. In 1999-2000, during his 14 years as a high school principal, he was president of the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals. He still serves that group as its Legislative Liaison and Lobbyist.

Jimmy has devoted much of his time and leadership skills to the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL). He served as President of GAEL in 2005-2006 and as Executive Director from 2012 through 2019. In fact, GAEL named their Distinguished Service Award, the Jimmy Stokes Distinguished Service Award.

For many years, Jimmy has served NAHO as the Chair of the Certification Committee. With his leadership, NAHO made significant improvements in its certification program, which remains the only national certification in administrative adjudication in the United States.

Jimmy has degrees from Middle Georgia College and the University of West Georgia, as well as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from University of Georgia. He will be speaking to us on the topic of “Playing by the Rules.”