Presented by Convergint & Product Partners
Join Convergint and industry leaders for an in-person event tailored to K-12 education leaders, offering valuable insights into school security strategies and real-world lessons. Taking place on April 24, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST at Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta, the event will cover critical topics such as security best practices, updates on Georgia’s school security funding, and guidance on leveraging the statewide contract for safety enhancements. Keynote speakers include representatives from the I Love You Guys Foundation, a Newtown CT parent, the former Deputy Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Education, and officials from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services.
Attendees will hear impactful presentations from experts, receive updates on new funding opportunities, enjoy a networking lunch, and have the chance to explore Zoo Atlanta.
Key takeaways:
- Gain valuable insights on enhancing school security through best practices and real-world experiences.
- Learn about new funding opportunities and how to utilize the Georgia statewide contract to strengthen school safety measures.
- Network with industry professionals and peers to discuss emerging trends in school security.
Georgia Safer Schools Summit: A Regional Conference for K-12 School Safety Leaders
Thursday, April 24th, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Venue
Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta
Cherokee Ave SE,
Atlanta, GA 30308
Speakers
Dr. Devon Horton is the superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, overseeing 92,000 students, 14,500 employees, and a $2.6 billion budget. He is also a member of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, advising on K-12 school security.
With experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader, Dr. Horton focuses on school leadership’s impact on turnaround schools. He is recognized for his commitment to systemic change, equity, and leadership development. A national speaker on anti-racism in education, he received the RTM National EdTech All-Star Award in 2022 and was named the National Alliance of Black School Educators’ Superintendent of the Year for 2022-2023. His motto emphasizes that systemic failures, not students, are the root of academic challenges.
Dr. Devon Horton
Superintendent DeKalb County School District
Michael Dorn
Executive Director at Safe Havens International
Michael Dorn is a highly respected school safety expert with over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, homeland security, and emergency management. His work has taken him to Mexico, Canada, the U.K., and Israel. He has served as a police chief, state antiterrorism planner, and senior analyst for public safety. The FBI, FEMA, the U.S. Department of Education, and numerous state agencies trust his expertise.
Carly Posey is a national advocate for school safety. Two of her four children were inside Sandy Hook Elementary School when an armed man entered the building on December 14, 2012. The shooter made his way to her son’s first grade classroom, killing his teacher and a classmate. When he stopped to re-load, her son escaped, running to a nearby fire station. Her daughter, who remained hidden inside an art room office, also survived, but the lessons learned were significant. Carly’s other two children were at the intermediate school in Newtown where they were in lockdown the entire school day. The lack of preparedness within the community to respond and recover to such an incident left a lasting impression.
Today, as Mission Director for the “I Love U Guys” Foundation, Carly travels the country sharing her story to promote school safety and preparedness. Her experiences as a parent and a community member provide a compelling, often heartbreaking, case study for the need to prepare for the unthinkable. Carly has previously served as the Executive Director for the Safe2Tell Nonprofit and as Program Director for Anderson Software. She now lives in Colorado with her husband, Dave, and their four children.
Carly Posey
Mission Director at The “I Love U Guys” Foundation / Public Speaker on School Safety
Garry McGiboney
Executive Director of Government and Education Programs
Garry McGiboney is a distinguished leader with over 35 years of experience in education and government programs. He currently serves as Executive Director at Sharecare and was previously Deputy Superintendent at the Georgia Department of Education. Garry holds a PhD in Psychology from Georgia State University and has received multiple leadership awards. He is also the author of several publications on school safety, mental health, and school climate.
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