Phone: 229-296-9267

Email: velvet.poole@docoschools.org
1401 Cromartie Beach Dr.
Albany, GA 31705

Velvet Edwards Poole is a native Albanian, a graduate of Dougherty High School, and the mother of three children. She was first sworn into office in January of 2009. Mrs. Poole is a graduate of Claflin College, Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she attended on a four-year basketball scholarship and is a member of the 2014 Claflin University Athletic Hall of Fame. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Dougherty High School basketball booster, and a mentor with several organizations. Mrs. Poole attends Church of Christ Leesburg. Her favorite quote is, "You miss 100% of the shots you never take" and her favorite scripture is Romans: 12.

BOE Committees:
Athletics- Chair
Instructional Services/Accountability

Current term expires: December 31, 2029

Email: geraldine.hudley@docoschools.org
Vice Chair (At-Large)

Mrs. Geraldine West-Hudley was sworn in to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Lane Price in August 2016. Hudley started her first full term as a board member in January 2017. She is a former teacher and principal in the Dougherty County School System.

BOE Committees:
Instructional Services and Accountability - Chair
Transportation and Safety Security

Her term expires on December 31, 2029.

Email: carolyn.hand@docoschools.org
District 1
200 Pine Ave.
Albany, GA 31701

Dr. Carolyn Hand was sworn into office in January 2025. A native of Parris Island, South Carolina, Dr. Hand is married to Bobby Hand, Sr. Together, they have two sons and five grandchildren. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Albany State University; a Specialist degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Georgia; and a Doctorate in Education from South Carolina State University.

Now retired, Dr. Hand has held various roles in the Dougherty County School System, including those of a teacher, assistant principal, and director of Human Resources. She also served as a recruiter for the Southwest Georgia area.

Dr. Hand is a dedicated member of Institutional First Baptist Church and an active participant in several organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Albany (GA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., and the Southwest Georgia Chapter of FAMU Alumni.

Quote: “The time is always right to do what is right.”

BOE Committees:

Current term expires: December 31, 2029

Email: norma.heath@docoschools.org
District 2
200 Pine Ave.
Albany, Ga. 31701

A lifelong resident of Dougherty County, Norma Gaines-Heath graduated from Albany High School. She received her undergraduate degrees from Albany State University with a bachelor’s of art degree in music and a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education. Furthering her education, she received a master’s of education degree in early childhood education from Georgia Southwestern State University and an education specialist degree in educational leadership and supervision from Albany State University. She previously served in the Dougherty County School System as a classroom teacher and parent coordinator. Currently, Heath is a GED instructor at Autry State Prison in Pelham

In addition to her work in education, Heath is engaged in service through her church and sorority. 

She is a member of the Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, where her husband is the pastor, and she serves as president of the Artesian City Chapter, a local ministers’ wives organization. Heath is second vice president of the Georgia Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

BOE Committees:
Current term expires: December 31, 2026

Email: melissa.strother@docoschools.org
(District 4)
200 Pine Ave.
Albany, GA 31701

Melissa Strother was sworn into office in January 2015. She is a sixth-generation Albanian. She attended Auburn University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Services.

Melissa is married to Jay Strother, and they have 2 young children. She is a small business owner, artist, and graphic designer.

Melissa is a member of Greenbriar Church. In her spare time she enjoys painting, baking, and spending time with her family.

BOE Committees:
Transportation, Safety and Security - Chair
Instructional Service and Accountability

Current term expires: December 31, 2026

District 5
1108 Waddell Ave.
Albany, GA 31721
889-1994 (business)
434-9138 (home)
 

Reverend James C. Bush was first sworn into office in January 2004. He is the owner of Bush Ventures, Inc., a business consulting firm. Rev. Bush is a former Albany Man of the Year and an inductee into the Albany State University Hall of Fame. He is a former Dougherty County police officer, a former Dougherty County commissioner, and was Congressional Aide to Congressman Charles Hatcher for 12 years. He has served as a member of the First State Bank Advisory Board of Colquitt, Georgia. Rev. Bush serves as pastor of the Peace Missionary Baptist Church. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

BOE Committees:
Finance and Personnel - Chair
Building and Grounds 

Current term expires: December 31, 2029

Email: dean.phinazee@docoschools.org
District 6
200 Pine Ave.
Albany, GA 31701

Dr. Dean Phinazee was first sworn into office in January 2015. He is a retired educator with the DCSS where he taught Math and Reading to 5th Grade students.

He's a graduate of Pike County High School in Zebulon, Ga. In 1972, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Albany State University. In 1977, he was awarded his Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Georgia State University. He earned his Specialist in Education Degree from Albany State in 1995 and his Ph.D. in Religion from Bethany Divinity College and Seminary.

In addition to his years of service in the DCSS, he also previously taught at Calhoun County Schools and Albany State University. He also served as the director of the Child Development and Staff Training Project at Albany State.

He previously served as a member of the National Education Association, the Georgia Association of Educators and the Dougherty County Association of Educators.  He also served seven years as scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America.

Dr. Phinazee and his wife, Brenda, are members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he currently serves as a minister.

BOE Committees:
Transportation, Safety and Security
Finance and Personnel

Current term expires: December 31, 2026