• Roderick Ford

    Roderick Ford, Federal Programs Coordinator in the Center for Equity & Social Justice, began his career in education nine years ago after making a career change from corporate America.  During his tenure in corporate America, Roderick promoted diversity in the global workforce by working with the diversity affinity networks (i.e. African American Forum, LGBTQA Alliance, Hispanic Forum, and Women’s Network).  He also completed the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate Program from the University of South Florida - Muma College of Business. 

    He started his career in education at the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) where he helped manage the $400 million Race to the Top (RT3) grant for the state of Georgia.  After the RT3 grant ended, he transitioned to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA).  At GOSA, Roderick was fiscally responsible for departmental budgets and the majority of grant allocations.  Roderick always considered APS his home because he supported the District while working for GaDOE and GOSA.  

    He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Georgia State University), a Master of Business Administration (University of Georgia), and a PhD in Educational Leadership (Mercer University).  His dissertation, A Legal Analysis of Federal Disability Law as Related to Emerging Technology: Guidelines for Postsecondary Leadership, Policy, and Practice, focused on reducing educational disadvantages for students with disabilities (SWDs) and eradicating discriminatory practices by institutions in order for SWDs to enjoy full and equal access to the benefits of society.   Roderick believes he MUST help enhance educational opportunities for all students.

    He resides in Ellenwood, GA with his fur baby, Sebastian, a four-year-old miniature pinscher.  

    Fun Fact: Roderick loves traveling and eating (favorite food: any Creole/New Orleans dish).  He has traveled to five of the seven continents and over half of the states in the USA.  His goal is to travel to the remaining two continents by 2025 and the remaining states by 2030.