Valdosta, GA—The WIN (Workforce Innovation Network) Regional College and Career Academy (CCA) Board of Directors has named Jason Van Nus as the organization’s inaugural chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2026.

Van Nus brings extensive experience in workforce development and education, including eight years leading work-based learning and youth apprenticeship programs at Lowndes High School. His background also includes serving as site director, testing coordinator, graduation coach, and work-based learning coordinator at Coastal Plains Education High School. He began his career in Echols County and was a graphic communications and business education instructor at Colquitt County High School for 12 years.

His professional honors include being named a finalist for the 2025 Association for Career and Technical Education National Teacher of the Year, earning the 2024 ACTE Region II Teacher of the Year, the 2023 Georgia ACTE Teacher of the Year, and the 2024 YouScience Innovative Educator of the Year award.

Having worked closely with local industry partners, Van Nus said he was drawn to the CEO position because of its potential to expand workforce development opportunities. “This model allows us to give students a head start and provide employers access to talent earlier than ever before. That is a powerful combination for any community.”

He also noted that the role builds on both his experience and his passion for workforce development.

“I’ve spent my career building bridges between students and the workforce, and this role allows me to do that on a much larger scale,” he said. “The WIN CCA is an opportunity to create a truly unique workforce solution for our region that serves both students and employers.”

Tullis Beasley, chair of the WIN Regional College and Career Academy Board, said Van Nus was selected through a rigorous, multi-step review process involving school district superintendents, college and career academy CEOs and industry professionals from across the region. He added that Van Nus’ experience will strengthen the academy’s role in connecting education and industry.

“In South Georgia, that means making sure young people can walk into a job in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and other high-demand career fields without starting from scratch,” Beasley said. “Having Jason as the first WIN CEO gives us someone who understands both sides of that equation— and can build the trust between schools and employers that makes this work.”

The WIN CCA will serve students from Valdosta City Schools, Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, and Lanier school systems. The CCA is designed to transform opportunities for high school students across South Georgia—equipping them with the technical skills, hands-on training, and career pathways needed to succeed in the classroom, workplace, and beyond.

“We are excited to welcome Jason Van Nus to the WIN Academy team. Mr. Van Nus brings a wealth of workforce knowledge, visionary leadership, and national recognition that will be a tremendous asset to our region,” said Dr. Craig Lockhart, superintendent for Valdosta City Schools. “As we launch this transformational new opportunity for students and families, we are confident his leadership will elevate career preparation, strengthen business and industry partnerships, and help shape a stronger future for our entire community. Securing someone of his caliber is a tremendous step forward for the WIN Academy and workforce development across South Georgia.”

The WIN Regional CCA is a collaborative initiative, driven by the shared vision of One Valdosta-Lowndes, education partners, community leaders, and industry stakeholders, which underscores a strong commitment to building a brighter future for the region’s students. By expanding access to real-world learning and career-aligned education, the CCA will prepare the next generation to thrive in today’s fast-evolving economy.

“Establishing a College and Career Academy in South Georgia is more than an opportunity. It’s a necessity,” said Mary Beth Brownlee, director of One Valdosta-Lowndes. “For too long, there has been a gaping hole in our region when it comes to workforce-driven education, and WIN is helping us fill that void in an effective and meaningful way.”

Brownlee said the academy provides a business-driven model, where industry leaders help shape the curriculum to ensure students gain the skills employers need. “It’s about preparing our students for real careers, strengthening our talent pipeline and creating a future where South Georgia can grow and compete at the highest level.”

The WIN CCA is scheduled to have a soft launch in fall 2026 with three in-demand pathways: phlebotomy, emergency medical technician (EMT), and hospitality, with classes at the Valdosta campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Fall 2027 pathways are anticipated to be held at the future WIN CCA campus and include advanced manufacturing, advanced construction technology, emergency medical technician, accelerated phlebotomy technician, and hospitality operations associate.

Van Nus said the CCA model introduces a more efficient way to connect education and the workforce.

“WIN has the opportunity to become one of the most important workforce drivers in our region,” he said. “We are not just introducing a new school model; we are introducing a better way to connect education and the workforce. That requires us to be very intentional in how we communicate the value to students, parents, and industry partners.”

Jason Van Nus may be reached for comment at jason@wincca.org.  For more information on WIN CCA, visit the website: www.wincca.org

About WIN Regional College and Career Academy
The WIN (Workforce Innovation Network) Regional College and Career Academy brings students from across South Georgia, connecting education with workforce needs through career-focused pathways and hands-on learning. Led by a board of educators and industry leaders, WIN works closely with local schools, colleges, and employers to provide students with real-world experience, industry-recognized credentials, and clear paths to high-demand careers. This academy is part of a regional effort to build a stronger talent pipeline, boost economic growth, and help students succeed in today’s competitive and ever-changing workforce.

For more information, contact
Mary Beth Brownlee
One Valdosta Lowndes
404-227-4976
mbbrownlee@valdostachamber.com