Ben Wiggins brings a wealth of experience to GAEL in his role as Executive Director. He has worked in south and north Georgia in both county and city school districts. He served as the principal of Pelham City High School as well as Oconee County High School. He also served as superintendent of both the Thomasville City and Colquitt County School District.

Ben has been heavily involved in the GAEL organization over his career and is a past president of GAEL. He has been a member of both GASSP and GSSA and is a past president of GASSP. He has served on the board of directors and executive board of GAEL.

Ben has served as the president of Coastal Plains RESA and on a number of community and civic boards such as the United Way, Boys/Girls Club, Kiwanis, Public Library and the YMCA. Ben and his wife Jana are residents of Oconee County and have two adult children, Blake and Leah Grace.

I'm Ivy Lane Young — a proud University of Georgia graduate from Blackshear, GA, with a heart for public education and a passion for meaningful connection. I serve as the Member & Sponsor Engagement Coordinator for the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL).

As a product of public education, I believe deeply in its power to transform lives. At GAEL, I lead marketing strategy, member and sponsor engagement, branding, and podcast production, telling the stories that matter and helping leaders across the state stay connected and inspired. I bring over five years of experience in communications roles that have sharpened my skills in creative content, digital marketing, and relationship-building, always with a personal touch.