Leadership
Diverse skillsets create strong leadership
Brian King
Founder and Executive Director
Brian King was born and raised in the metropolitan area of Detroit, MI. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Language, Literature and Writing. Mr. King also attended the University of Michigan and completed his Masters of Arts in Secondary Education. After completing graduate school, Mr. King relocated to Georgia.
Once in Georgia, Brian began his career as an English teacher. He would later move into school leadership. As a leader, Mr. King held roles as an Instructional Coach, Principal-In-Residence, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal.
Brian was raised to believe that education changes lives. Life and career have also taught him that a quality education can provide generational change for a student and their family.
In his spare time, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and children, watching sports, participating in sports, reading, and traveling.
Brandon Gwaltney
Board President
Brandon has over 5 years of experience in homebuilding customer service, construction, and procurement. He is a strong communicator with strengths in de-escalation, budget management, and building strong partnerships to achieve business outcomes.
Brandon is also an advocate for service. As a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, he has always sought opportunities to serve. Brandon is passionate about education and the advancement of black and brown communities. The Liberation Academy board is fortunate to have him as a member.
Nicole Long
Vice President
Nicole Long is a proven Finance Business partner, Facilitator, Speaker and now entrepreneur with 20 + years of progressive experience in finance and accounting. Before becoming the owner of Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency West Cobb, Nicole was a highly accomplished finance and accounting leader for Fortune 500 companies such as General Motors, Coca Cola, and AT&T.
Ms. Long also has years of experience in board leadership as a board member for the United Way of Greater Atlanta and the National Association of Black Accountants-Atlanta. Nicole is passionate about education and excited about impacting the lives of young people.
Rae Oglesby
Board Secretary
Rae Oglesby is a data-driven storyteller with a passion for social justice, equity and service. She started her career as a broadcast news journalist, working for a decade at CNN and local stations in Atlanta and Charleston, South Carolina before transitioning to nonprofit marketing and communications. She currently serves as the Vice President of Membership and Communications at UpTogether, a nonprofit organization that invests in the initiatives people with low incomes are taking to accomplish their goals.
Lorlita Spann
Lorlita Spann has dedicated her entire career to service. She brings a diverse array of skills to the board. She brings years of experience working with families and students as a counselor. She eventually moved into a manager role where oversaw a team of counselors.
One of the many skills she possesses is project management and analysis. Currently, she is working as a Program Manager for Web MD. Her commitment to service has been instrumental to Liberation Academy and the community. Her dedication to service and the advancement of education for underserved communities led her to the Liberation Academy Board. We are fortunate to have her.
Manoj Mehta
Manoj is a seasoned IT professional and has worked in the digital departments of educational / eLearning companies like McGraw-Hill Education and Scholastic. He is active in the Ed Tech community. His academic background includes Bachelors and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. He is currently a technology product leader at General Electric and, as part of GE’s outreach, has volunteered at InspirEDU (formerly PowerMyLearning of Greater Atlanta). In his spare time he plays tennis and enjoys global traveling (except during pandemics).