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From preparing campus for thousands of guests and new students to enjoying time outdoors with family and friends, summer brings its own unique rhythm to Georgia Tech. In this month's Staff Profiles, we're featuring two A&F employees who offer a glimpse into their summer experiences, both on and off campus. Read on to learn what keeps them busy, the traditions they look forward to each year, and the theme songs that capture their summer spirit.

Celebrating LeShawn Adams, catering associate for Tech Dining. 

Campus Services' Employee Recognition Program recognizes employees who demonstrate individual achievement, contribution, and performance in their jobs beyond expectations while living out the Institute Values. Please join us in congratulating those honored to receive this award. 

Photo: Kasey Helton, associate vice president for Campus Services, featured left; LeShawn Adams featured right

Georgia Tech’s commitment to transforming waste into a valuable campus resource has earned national recognition. The Institute recently received the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award, honoring the Office of Sustainability’s pioneering in-vessel composting program, which is helping Georgia Tech reduce waste, lower emissions, and create a more sustainable campus.

Justin White has been selected as the new executive director for Institute Budget Planning and Administration. He will begin his new role on Aug. 1, reporting to Jamie Fernandes, associate vice president for Finance and Planning.

Jessica Leterle Collopy has been selected as the new director of Procurement within Procurement and Business Services (PBS) following a competitive search process. She assumed the role on July 13 and continues to report to Erin Mitchell as a member of the PBS leadership team.

In her new role, she leads Georgia Tech’s procurement operations and helps advance strategic initiatives, modernization efforts, and customer-focused services across the Institute.

After years of transformative leadership within Infrastructure and Operations, Senior Director of Data Management and Automation Jimmie Hardin will depart the Institute on July 31 to accept a new position as associate vice chancellor for Facilities Planning and Management with the University System of Georgia (USG). 

Georgia Tech’s Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Office of Research Operations, is launching Georgia Tech’s first Sustainable Lab Certification program, which will provide a framework for campus laboratories to implement practical, high-impact sustainability measures. Labs earn recognition for their efforts through tiered certification levels — bronze, silver, or gold — based on the number and results of practices implemented. 

What started as concern about food waste has grown into a campuswide effort to help food-insecure Georgia Tech students while keeping thousands of meals out of the waste stream.

Since launching in 2024, Green Forks has transformed surplus food from catered events into a valuable resource for students in need. 

Come learn more about LiveSafe, GTENS, and bike and scooter registration while meeting Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) and Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) staff. Enjoy giveaways, enter for a chance to win door prizes, and receive a free helmet while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you there!

Do you support wellness initiatives for faculty, staff, or students? Join the Wellness Planners Network, a Microsoft Teams community that connects individuals across Georgia Tech who are advancing well-being on campus.

Why join? Connect with colleagues across the Institute, access wellness resources and tools, learn from campus experts, and share effective practices through a collaborative network designed to strengthen impact, reduce duplication, and foster a culture of well-being.

How to join? Complete the Wellness Planners Network Baseline Survey to receive access to the Teams community. Once submitted, you'll receive a welcome message with next steps. Contact kgolerstubbs3@gatech.edu with questions.

Registration is open for the annual Kaiser Permanente Run, Walk, Roll on Sept. 24. Register to join the University System of Georgia (USG) team, and the USG will cover $25 of the registration cost when you use the discount code "Team USG."

Final deadline to register for Team USG is Aug. 3.

The Institute is one of 17 public schools to receive a five-star ranking and the only institution in the state to receive the designation. To compile its list for 2026 and to “help families find schools that deliver strong value,” the publication evaluated more than 700 four-year colleges on 25 metrics, including graduation rates, costs, financial aid, student debt, and alumni salaries. 

A&F Connects is back and we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., to meet and greet with fellow colleagues and hear from special guest President Cabrera. As we look to usher in the academic year, President Cabrera will reflect on the importance of maintaining momentum on the extraordinary progress the Institute is making and the strength of his leadership team who will help carry Georgia Tech forward during the upcoming transition. 

Location: Bill Moore Student Success Center: President’s Suites A, B, and C 

This is an in-person event only.

RSVP only if you plan to attend. The RSVP form will close on Friday, Aug. 14. 

There will be a continental breakfast served with morning refreshments. Please indicate in the RSVP form if you have food allergies.