Horizons Atlanta (HA) today announced that Meredith Gurley Johnson will become the organization’s fourth-ever executive director effective October 1, 2023. She will oversee strategic vision for the regional office and its 11 program sites, community partnerships, and fund development.

Johnson joined the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Office of Alumni Relations in 2001, serving as its executive director for the past nine years. In this role, she oversaw all alumni engagement activities and services, including student programs, young alumni outreach, regional programs, special events and collaborative projects on campus. Prior to the Office of Alumni Relations, she served as coordinator of annual giving and alumni relations for UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. 

 Johnson is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education. 

“We are delighted Meredith is joining Horizons Atlanta and look forward to working with her as we continue to grow and support more scholars in their personal development and academic journeys,” said Kevin Glass, head of school at Atlanta International School. “Meredith’s accomplishments at UGA along with her many years of being a dedicated Horizons volunteer and supporter distinguished her as the right person to guide Horizons in its next phase.”

Johnson succeeds Alex Wan who served as Horizons Atlanta’s executive director for the last five years before recently accepting the position of Vice President of Community Affairs with Emory University. During his tenure, Alex successfully led the nonprofit through significant pandemic challenges while adding three new program sites, nearly doubling the annual number of scholars served, and increasing philanthropic support.