MCS Board names Board Chair, Vice-Chair

Marietta, GA – The Marietta City Schools Board of Education unanimously appointed new leadership roles during its Work Session on Tuesday, January 13, naming Jaillene Hunter, Ward Four, as Chair and Angela Orange, Ward Five, as Vice-Chair.

Hunter has served on the MCS Board since November 2021. She is the Executive Director of the Georgia Press Association and serves on the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Regional Health Board. 

Hunter was also appointed to the State of Georgia’s Council on Literacy. Prior to her service on the MCS Board, Hunter served as Communications Director for former Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, where she helped develop and implement Georgia’s Charter Systems and College and Career Academy programs. 

“It is an honor to be elected by my colleagues to serve as Board Chair, and a responsibility I take seriously,” said Hunter. “At the heart of our work is a commitment to academic excellence, with student success guiding every decision. Over the past year, we have taken deliberate steps to strengthen literacy outcomes by enhancing reading instruction, supporting educators, and prioritizing early intervention. We are committed to sustaining that momentum so every student in Marietta is positioned to succeed.”

Orange has served on the Board since 2018. A native of rural South Georgia, she has lived in Marietta for several years and brings more than 15 years of experience in public education to her role as Vice-Chair. She is a former middle school teacher and currently serves as a nonprofit executive. Orange holds degrees from Emory University and the University of Georgia and brings a strong understanding of classroom needs and school-level dynamics to the Board’s leadership. 

“As a former educator, I know that the decisions made in the Board room are felt every day in classrooms,” said Orange. “I’m committed to supporting teachers with the resources, trust, and stability they need to do their best work, while keeping students at the center of every decision. Strong schools are built when governance, instruction, and community work together in service of student success.”

The Board also announced several key liaison roles. Jeff DeJarnett, Ward One, has been appointed as the Board’s Legislative Liaison, tasked with maintaining strong communication and advocacy with state lawmakers. Jeff Collins, Ward Three, will serve as the liaison to the Marietta Schools  Foundation, strengthening collaboration between the Board and the Foundation to support students and staff.

Visit the Board's website for contact information, meeting dates, and agendas.