Ayanna Hill-Gill, affectionately known as Yanni, is the Head of School at Atlanta Girls’ School. Prior to AGS, Yanni worked at Purnell School, a boarding school for girls in New Jersey, where she was the Head of School since 2007. Yanni holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Dickinson College and a master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College with an emphasis on Private School Leadership. She has been a yearlong Klingenstein Fellow and an EE Ford Fellow for NAIS’ Aspiring Heads Program. Prior to her tenure at Purnell, Yanni worked at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden building their community outreach program and developing curriculum for children’s educational programs. In 1992, Yanni lived in Costa Rica while studying sustainable development and conducting independent research in water quality. It was these two experiences that led Yanni to teaching, particularly science. As a graduate of an all girls’ school in Philadelphia, Yanni has committed her career to creating opportunities for girls and young women to discover their voices, achieve success and become leaders in the fields of their choice.

Yanni currently serves on the Board of the Heads Network and the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. She serves locally as a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Village Project, an all girls school for refugees in Decatur, GA. Yanni has served as a Trustee on the Board of Rutgers Prep School in New Brunswick, NJ, Far Hills Country Day School in Far Hills, NJ, Link Community School in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), and Willowwood Arboretum.

James Campbell was born in the big city of Abbeville, South Carolina. As a young child, he loved hanging out with his grandparents on their farm. The summer before the fourth grade, his family moved to Greenville, South Carolina and James spent most of his formative years in the Upstate of South Carolina. After high school, James went on to matriculate at the College of Charleston, where he received his BA in History. After graduation, he spent a semester at Howard University as a grad student. Unfortunately, his mother became ill, and James decided to return home. He spent a few years working for companies like BellSouth and Ford Motor Company. Then, an email changed his life. James was given an opportunity to return to graduate school and earn his Master’s Degree. He attended Morgan State University in Baltimore and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. While in school, he began his teaching career. James has taught in Baltimore City, Delaware, and Atlanta. This year marks his 18th year as an educator. Aside from his love for education, James enjoys spending quality time with his family. He has been married for 14 years, and he and his wife Cherisse have two boys named Kamau and Kanoa. Additionally, in James’ spare time, he loves watching football and reading Walter Mosely mystery novels. He is also a Star Wars and Marvel fan.