Effective May 1st, Matt Bishop, director of the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, will transition into a new position with the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach.

Bishop will assume a new role as associate vice president for public service and outreach, working directly with Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum on PSO strategic initiatives, including leading programs and initiatives that connect UGA’s schools and colleges to PSO’s extensive network of expertise in leadership, government, business, service, and nonprofits.

“Matt brings the ability to build collaborations, an extensive knowledge of our state and university, and years of experience in public service and outreach to this new position,” said Jennifer Frum, vice president of public service and outreach. “I look forward to working with him in this capacity as we continue to serve our partners both on campus and across our state.”

Bishop has served as director of the UGA Fanning Institute since December 2012. During that time, the institute updated its adult and youth leadership curriculums and launched several programs. These include Youth LEAD Georgia, a statewide youth leadership program; the Embark Georgia network to support educational outcomes for young people who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness; and the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative, which provides resources for community leadership programming in Georgia.

“No other experience has provided me any greater professional fulfillment than being part of Fanning’s leadership work,” Bishop said. “I could not be prouder of our accomplishments and the positive impact we have had on the individuals, communities, and organizations the institute serves working alongside all of our partners.”

Beverly Johnson, who has served as associate director at the Fanning Institute, is assuming the role of interim director.

“Beverly brings years of experience in leadership and organizational development to the role and will work to continue the outstanding programming of the Fanning Institute,” Frum said.

Prior to joining Fanning, she served as Assistant Director at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where she led the State Services Division team and created and managed multi-year training initiatives of over $25 million. Additionally, Johnson directed technical assistance and applied research for state government entities and nonprofit organizations. Her earlier career was with the Georgia Department of Labor, where she led the Field Services Division, managing a network of career centers including 1,200 staff and an annual operating budget of $68 million.

“I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to continue building upon the strong foundation that has been established here at the Fanning Institute,” Johnson said. “Our partners are invaluable to our success as an institute, and I am dedicated to collaborating closely with them and our faculty, staff, and students to achieve our shared goals and objectives.”

The UGA Fanning Institute trains, inspires and equips community leaders of all ages and from all walks of life to lead positively and meaningfully in community and civic affairs, address critical challenges, bring people together, and develop solutions that will lead to stronger and more vital communities across Georgia and beyond.