Governing Board
The REACH Governing Board of Directors is entrusted with the oversight and stewardship of REACH, guided by applicable laws and any governing charter adopted by the Board. In carrying out this responsibility, the Board is committed to supporting the school’s mission, students, and community with care, integrity, and accountability.
Our Mission
We value each student and recognize their worth as a whole person on their path to graduation and in their community beyond the classroom. We foster access, connection, and agency through personalized learning, empowering students to REACH their greatest potential.
Our Vision
At REACH Public Schools, our students graduate prepared for adulthood, equipped to pursue their post-secondary passions and address real-world challenges. They emerge ready to make meaningful contributions that enrich their communities and shape a better future.
Our Values
We care about people.
We believe students have agency.
We know learning has real world relevance.
We honor each student's unique path.
We are accountable to each other and ourselves.
We are committed to equity and access for all students.
We support students beyond the classroom.
Patrick Connell
J. Patrick Connell has practiced law in Savannah, Georgia since 2006, with a focus on real estate, land use, zoning, and development. A former city planner, he brings a strong background in planning and public policy to his work in education and community leadership. Connell has served in multiple board leadership roles, including as Chair of the Savannah Exploratory Charter Academy, and has been actively involved with organizations such as the Savannah Technical College Foundation. He holds degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University and has been recognized as a Generation NEXT honoree and Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Board Chair
Kate Blair
Kate Blair serves as Vice Chair and brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and community advocacy. She has been Executive Director of Brightside Child & Family Advocacy since 2018, where she has led significant organizational growth and expanded services for children and families. Her background includes leadership in communications, fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration, as well as prior work advancing community initiatives at Step Up Savannah. Blair holds a degree in Professional Communications, is a Leadership Savannah graduate, and serves on multiple nonprofit boards.
Board Vice Chair
Jason Gallegos
Jason Gallegos serves as Board Treasurer and brings extensive experience in commercial banking and financial management. He is a Vice President of Commercial Banking at First Chatham Bank, where he focuses on business lending and relationship management. With a background in finance and accounting and training from the Georgia Banking School, Jason has held roles across several financial institutions. He is actively engaged in civic and community initiatives and contributes expertise in financial oversight, strategic planning, and organizational growth.
Board Treasurer
Gerald Frazier
Reverend Dr. Gerald I. Frazier Sr. serves as a Board Member and brings extensive experience in leadership, service, and community engagement. He has a background in military service and later built a long career with the Georgia Ports Authority. Dr. Frazier is also the Senior Pastor of Followers of Christ Baptist Church in Port Wentworth, Georgia, and has been involved in community-focused work supporting housing and family needs. He remains active in ministry, mentoring, and service to others.
Board Member
Maya Jinks
Maya Jinks serves as a Board Member and brings more than 20 years of experience in general and special education. She currently works as an Educational Advocate with the Chatham County Juvenile Court, supporting court-involved youth and helping ensure access to appropriate educational services. Jinks collaborates with families, schools, and community partners to address barriers to student success and is particularly focused on supporting at-risk and foster care youth.
Board Member
Christopher Middleton
Christopher K. Middleton serves as a Board Member and brings over 16 years of legal experience to his role. As Chatham County Superior Court judge and founding partner of CRM Law, he has a background in public service, including work as an assistant public defender. Middleton has held leadership positions on several community boards, including chair roles with the Deep Center and the Metropolitan Planning Commission. He holds degrees from Savannah State University and Vermont Law School and remains actively engaged in community-focused leadership and advocacy.
Board Member
Michael T. Owens
Michael T. Owens serves as a Board Member and brings extensive leadership experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. He is President and CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council, where he leads one of Georgia’s largest hospitality trade organizations. Owens has played a key role in advancing regional tourism initiatives and has been actively involved in numerous civic and industry boards. He also contributes to workforce and education efforts through advisory roles with local institutions and remains engaged in community-focused initiatives.
Board Member
Contact the Board at boards@reachpublicschools.org