Moultrie, Georgia – July 6, 2026 – The Colquitt County School District is excited to announce new administrators for the 2026-2027 school year. Regina Bannister has been named the Director of Vereen. Carlos Bautista has been named the Director of the Achievement Center. Casey Cope has been named the Director of School Safety. Tiffany Richey will serve as Principal of Funston Elementary School. Kati Strickland will be the Director of Student Achievement. Superintendent Chappuis shared, "Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles. I am confident that their leadership will help us continue moving forward as 'One'—strengthening our shared mission of Excellence for Every ONE & EVERYONE, bringing immense value to our students, staff, and community."
Regina D. Bannister – Director of Vereen
Education:
- Valdosta State University | Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Anthropology
- Valdosta State University | Master of Arts, Teaching
- University of Florida | Education Specialist, Special Education
Experience:
- Willie J. Williams Middle School - Special Ed Teacher, Department Head, Special Education Program Coordinator | 2019-2026
- Colquitt County Achievement Center – Special Education Teacher | 2011-2019
- Georgia Division of Family and Children Services - Social Services, Investigations, Family Preservation, Foster Care, Adoptions, Supervision, and Administration | 2000-2011
When asked about her new role, Ms. Bannister shared, "Behavior is communication, safety is a prerequisite for learning, and every student will thrive when truly understood and supported."
Carlos Bautista – Director of the Achievement Center
Education:
- Georgia Southern University | Bachelor's Degree, Middle Grades Education
- Augusta University | Master's Degree, Education Leadership
- Augusta University | Specialist Degree, Education Leadership
Experience:
- Colquitt County Achievement Center | Teacher | 2022- Present
- Colquitt County High School | Varsity Head Coach Girls Soccer | 2022-2026
- J.M. Odom Elementary – Intervention Specialist | 2017-2022
Mr. Bautista shared, "I am deeply honored to serve as the new Director of the Colquitt County Achievement Center, and the first Hispanic administrator in our district. I take pride in representing our diverse community and showing students that leadership is attainable regardless of their background. I am committed to expanding opportunities for our youth while fostering a learning environment where students can learn from their mistakes, grow through challenges, and discover their potential."
Casey Cope – Director of School Safety
Certifications and Training
- FBI Hostage Negotiator
- Master Interdictor Certification (National Criminal Enforcement Association)
- Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training
- Georgia Certified Emergency Manager (Advanced)
- Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police - Chief Executive Training Program
Experience
- Brooks County Board of Education – Chief of Police/Director of Security and Emergency Management | 2022- Present
- Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency – Homeland Security Coordinator and Unit Supervisor | 2016-2022
- Lowndes County Sheriff's Office – Road Patrol, Interstate Criminal Enforcement Sergeant, Team Supervisor, and K-9 Handler |2006-2016
Mr. Cope shared “It will be my great honor to serve as the Safety Director for Colquitt County Schools. The safety of the staff and students is paramount. The community must feel confident that when they entrust us with their children that they do so knowing we will take every measure to protect them and I feel confident in my 31 years of experience of doing just that.”
Tiffany Richey – Principal of Funston Elementary School
Education:
- Georgia Southern University | Bachelor of Science in Education - Early Childhood Education
- Valdosta State University | Master of Education - Educational Leadership
- Brenau University | currently pursuing Doctorate of Education, in Elementary Education with Dyslexia Endorsement
Experience:
- Stringfellow Elementary - Assistant Principal | May 2023 - Current
- Stringfellow Elementary – Interventionist | January 2023 – May 2023
- Euchee Creek Elementary (Columbia County Schools) – Teacher | September 2021- December 2022
- DeKalb Prep Academy (DeKalb County Schools) - Teacher | January 2021- August 2022
- Endeavor Schools - Regional Director of Operations | July 2019 - September 2020
- Oconee Fall Line Technical College Dean of Adult Education | August 2016-July 2019
- Heart of Georgia College & Career Academy (Dublin City Schools - Chief Executive Officer) | July 2014- July 2016
- Horry Georgetown Technical College - Department Chair and Associate Professor of Developmental English | January 2013 - July 2014 Lowndes County Schools - Teacher | January 2007– 2010
"Funston Elementary School's rich traditions and strong Packer Pride have created a legacy of excellence that I am honored to join," stated Mrs. Richey. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal and look forward to partnering with our dedicated staff, supportive families, and amazing students as we continue building a school community together where every child can learn, lead, and succeed."
Kati Strickland – Director of Student Achievement
Education:
- Valdosta State University | Bachelor of Science in Education-Early Childhood
- Valdosta State University | Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Albany State University | Tier 1 Leadership Certification
Experience:
- Funston Elementary – Principal | 2023 – Current
- Funston Elementary – Assistant Principal | 2019 - 2023
- Funston Elementary – Teacher | 2010 - 2019
Mrs. Strickland shared, "Stepping into the position of Director of Student Achievement is both exciting and humbling. For the past sixteen years, I have poured my heart and soul into Funston Elementary, and I am grateful for this new opportunity to serve all students, educators, and schools of Colquitt County. I am thankful for the path God has laid before me, and I pray to lead with wisdom, integrity, and a heart focused on student success."
Colquitt County School District serves over 8,500 students across 13 schools and 3 programs. The district employs just over 1400 certified and classified staff members. For enrollment, employment, or student achievement information, please visit www.colquitt.k12.ga.us.