New Faces of Ivan Allen College

Please welcome our newest staff members to the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts!

Portia Carter began her role as an administrative professional with the School of History and Sociology in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts in October 2024.

Portia is a Georgia native with a strong educational background and professional experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Savannah State University and a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Northwest Missouri State University. With 11 years of experience in education, Portia has worked across various roles, from early childhood to primary education, and has also provided seven years of executive assistant support at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC). 

Outside of her career, Portia enjoys engaging in recreational activities such as traveling, health and wellness, mindfulness practices, and embracing the joys of motherhood.

Caroline McWhorter began her role with the School of History and Sociology in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts in October 2024.

Caroline has worked within the University System of Georgia for almost 15 years. Most recently, she worked at the University of West Georgia. Caroline has a B.A. in business administration with a focus in accounting from Furman University and an M.B.A. in business administration from the University of West Georgia. One of the things she loves most about working in higher education is knowing that she is making a positive impact on students and contributing to their success as they advance in their lives and careers. 

She currently lives in Carrollton, GA with her husband and two children (twins!).

Lauren Kennedy was appointed director of development for the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts in September 2024. The director of development serves as a front-line development officer to lead fundraising initiatives and development operations for the College including our schools, research centers, and ROTC units.

Lauren has served in multiple roles with Georgia Tech’s Office of Development. She has gained experience in campaign strategy, major and planned gift solicitation, donor communications and stewardship, gift administration, board and volunteer cultivation, and marketing design and production. Since 2020, Lauren has served as the director of development for the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the School of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering, where she collaborated across development teams to help the Schools raise over $30 million collectively. She also previously led annual fundraising efforts for Mount Pisgah Christian School in Johns Creek, GA.

Lauren has a bachelor of science degree in international affairs from Georgia Tech. Beyond work, she spends time with her husband and two sons and her two dogs. She also enjoys karate and strength training.

Laura Gregory joined the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts as an associate director of development in August 2024. The associate director of development serves as a front-line development officer to assist with the planning and implementation of fundraising activities.

Laura brings a diverse background in business development and education to Georgia Tech. Most recently, she worked as an PreK-12 English specialist for Up International Colegio Reinado in Madrid, Spain. Before relocating to Spain, Laura served as a director of sales and business development from JW & Company Incorporated in Atlanta, Georgia for three years. In that role, she grew B2B accounts from 25 to 560, as well as increased the sales pipeline from $620k annually to $6.2 million annually. 

Laura has a bachelor of science degree in education from Young Harris College. In her free time, she spends time with her dog, Mr. Remington, as they explore their home in Midtown Atlanta.

Lauren Hunter joined the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts as a grant administrator lead in August 2024. Lauren most recently served as the Financial Manager for the Institute for Matter and Systems, an interdisciplinary research center at Georgia Tech. Lauren provided financial management for several centers including the Packaging Research Center, the Georgia Electronic Design Center, the Electronic Photonic Integrated Circuits for Aerospace, and the Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare Center. She was primarily responsible for pre-award activities, post-award activities, and graduate student hiring. 

Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Lauren served in various roles with administrative, financial, and human resources responsibilities within the public and state higher education sectors in South Carolina, including the University of South Carolina and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Lauren is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina. She earned a bachelor of arts in business administration and a master of business administration from Charleston Southern University. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.

posted October 28, 2024

Driani Gambrell began her role as an academic program manager for graduate studies in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts in July 2024. 

Prior to Georgia Tech, Driani was at Emory University. She has experience in academic advising, student recruitment, program management, and event planning. 

In her spare time, she loves to cook, spend time with family and friends, and catch up on TV shows.

Michael began his role as a program and operations manager for the School of Public Policy in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts in April 2024. His work in the MSEEM program focuses primarily on sustainable aviation fuel.

Prior to Georgia Tech, Michael was a director with ScottMadden. Michael holds an MBA from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business and an MS in Analytics from Georgia Tech.

Michael is excited to work in academia to help create conversations that facilitate public-private partnerships. He is enjoying working with and mentoring MSEEM students, meeting his new colleagues, and being able to ride his bike to work.

posted August 7, 2024