Dr. Chara Willaford, a former principal in Rockdale County, has been named the new principal for Lincoln Elementary Magnet School. 

Willaford, who currently heads the district’s Leadership and Capacity Department, was named as the principal at Lincoln by the Dougherty County Board of Education following the recommendation of Superintendent Kenneth Dyer. 

Willaford will officially take over at Lincoln on July 1, replacing Dr. Shawn Davidson who is moving out-of-state to be closer to family.

“Dr. Willaford is a proven leader and administrator who, I believe, will continue the tradition of academic excellence at Lincoln while engaging parents in new and innovative ways,” Dyer said. “She’s done a yeoman’s job working to get our Leadership Academy off the ground and I’m sure she’ll carry that same creative spirit into this role at Lincoln.”

As director of Leadership and Capacity, Willaford was tasked with developing the district’s Leadership Academy with the goal of developing the district’s internal talent and grooming them for future leadership positions. 

“I am beyond elated to join the Lincoln Elementary Magnet School family!  I look forward to working in a spirit of collaboration and excellence with all members of the school community,” Willaford said.

Prior to coming to Dougherty County, Willaford was the principal at Sims Elementary School in Rockdale County Schools where she served for four years. Prior to that, she served as an assistant principal and as K-12 Coordinator for English/Language Arts.