Horizons Atlanta has appointed Alex Wan to the position of Executive Director, effective May 1, 2018.

Horizons Atlanta provides high-quality academic enrichment programs to low-income children from kindergarten into high school, currently over 800 students, with long term plans to serve 2000 students in greater Atlanta.  

The Horizons model is built on a private/public school partnership, with a signature six-week summer learning program and year-round supports. Horizons Atlanta now includes 9 metro Atlanta program sites affiliates:  Atlanta International School, Atlanta Technical College, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, Kennesaw State University, Woodward Academy, and Purpose Built Schools.  Horizons Atlanta, incorporated in 2013, is an independent nonprofit designed to accelerate the growth of Horizons programs across Atlanta, provide programmatic connections and professional development opportunities, and enhance operational efficiencies. It is affiliated with Horizons National, a growing network of affiliates in 17 states, currently serving over 6,000 children.

Alex succeeds Emily Hawkins, who has been in this role for the past 2 years, and led the organization during a time of significant expansion and development of sustainable, philanthropic support.  Emily and her family are relocating to Philadelphia, where her husband has accepted a position with Comcast.

Before joining Horizons Atlanta, Alex Wan most recently served as Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Emory University, and before that as Director of Development at Jerusalem House, Atlanta’s largest HIV housing provider. Alex also represented the in-town neighborhoods of District 6 on the Atlanta City Council for two four-year terms. Alex holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Wharton Business School. After growing up in Stone Mountain, GA, Alex now lives with his partner in Morningside, where he has been a resident since 1994.

In making the announcement, John Brock, Chair of Horizons Atlanta’s Board of Directors added that “Alex will bring his experience and strong background of skills to an organization poised to move to the next level of success in Atlanta.  An increasing number of underserved children will have their lives enriched, and we look forward to building upon the momentum of our first five years under Alex’s leadership”.