Global Village Project, a Decatur-based middle school serving refugee girls, has selected Allison Almand Ezell as its new CEO and head of school. She succeeds Elizabeth Elango following a six-month national search.
Ezell has been part of the Global Village Project community for eight years, first as a volunteer and most recently as director of people and operations. Before joining the nonprofit school, she spent more than 15 years in global leadership at a strategic consulting firm and has extensive experience in human resources, a statement said.
“Allison’s extensive corporate leadership experience and deep understanding of GVP’s culture and mission made her the clear choice to lead us through this transformative period,” said Sonya Ko, board chair of Global Village Project. “Allison’s unique combination of strategic business expertise and eight years of dedicated volunteer service with GVP positions her perfectly to guide our historic transition into our first-ever new school building while successfully scaling our operations to serve double the student body size.”
The leadership change comes amid the school’s New Village 100 Capital Campaign, which has raised $5.7 million toward a new campus scheduled to open in fall 2026. The campaign has reached more than 75 percent of its goal and is seeking an additional $2 million to support its plan to double enrollment to 100 students.
Ezell said she is honored to lead the school as it prepares for a new chapter.
“I am overjoyed to have been chosen as the next Head of School for The Global Village Project,” she said. “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside GVP’s amazing students, teachers and staff for the past eight years, first as a volunteer and recently as the director of people and operations. I am humbled to now have the honor to lead the school for its next exciting chapter. The bold leaders who have come before me have created the vibrant school we have today that helps young refugee girls at a critical stage of development. I am thrilled at the possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to grow the school and expand its impact.”
Elango expressed confidence in Ezell’s ability to lead the school forward.
“Her immense professional experiences make her the ideal person to ensure the success of the renovation and relocation to the new building, and I am thrilled that she answered the call of leadership,” Elango said. “While sad to leave GVP, I am comforted in knowing that I am leaving the organization in great hands.”
