The Greene County School System has announced a new leadership team for both Greene College & Career Academy (GCCA) and Greene County High School (GCHS), appointing Mariana Soca-Harrison as CEO of GCCA and naming Kerry Flores as the next principal of GCHS.
The transition comes as current GCHS Principal and GCCA CEO John Ellenberg moves into a new district leadership role as director of safety, facilities, and community engagement.
Superintendent Dr. Aaryn Schmuhl said the appointments reflect the school system’s ongoing commitment to strong instructional leadership, innovation, and the expansion of opportunities for students.
“Both Ms. Flores and Ms. Soca-Harrison are accomplished leaders who bring unique strengths, deep educational expertise, and a student-centered approach to their work,” Schmuhl said. “Ms. Soca-Harrison has played an instrumental role in the growth and success of our college and career academy initiatives, while Ms. Flores brings a proven ability to build systems, support teachers, and create structures that help schools thrive. Together, they will continue moving Greene County High School and Greene College & Career Academy forward.”
Soca-Harrison currently serves as GCSS CTAE director and has been a key leader in the development and expansion of Greene College & Career Academy. With more than 21 years of experience in education, workforce development, and academy leadership, she has helped strengthen partnerships among the school district, business and industry leaders, and postsecondary institutions to expand career pathways and workforce opportunities for students.
Her leadership played a major role in GCCA's recent designation as Georgia College & Career Academy of the Year for 2025-26. Earlier this year, Soca-Harrison was also recognized statewide as the GACTE Special Populations Administrator of the Year for her work supporting equitable access and opportunities for all students.
In addition to serving as CTAE director, Soca-Harrison has held leadership roles as assistant principal at Greene County High School, site director for Foothills Education Charter High School’s Greene site, and Work-Based Learning coordinator, where she helped lead the original planning and launch of the college-and-career academy model in Greene County.
She holds an Educational Leadership Tier I certification from Georgia State University, a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, a Master of Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University, and both a Master of Public Policy and Administration and a Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi State University.
“I am incredibly honored to serve as CEO of Greene College & Career Academy,” Soca-Harrison said. “This academy represents the power of collaboration between schools, businesses, families, and the community.
“Over the last nine years, I have had the privilege of helping grow the academy alongside outstanding educators, students, business partners, and community leaders. I look forward to continuing that work by expanding opportunities for students, strengthening workforce partnerships, and ensuring every learner graduates prepared for success in college, career, and life.”
Flores returns to Greene County after serving in multiple leadership roles within the Richmond County School System, most recently as assistant principal at G.P. Butler High School and previously at Glenn Hills Middle School. She began her career in Greene County as a mathematics teacher, gifted coordinator, and BETA Club advisor at Anita White Carson Middle School.
Throughout her career, Flores has developed a reputation as a strong instructional and operational leader, with expertise in building systems that support student achievement and school improvement. Her experience includes oversight of testing programs, PBIS implementation, attendance systems, special education support, RTI processes, professional learning, and school improvement planning.
Before becoming an administrator, Flores served as a professional learning facilitator for teacher quality, planning districtwide professional development, supporting new teacher induction programs, and coaching educators in curriculum, classroom management, and instructional strategies.
Flores earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Macon State College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Augusta State University, an Educational Specialist degree from Georgia College & State University, and an Educational Leadership Tier I certification from Georgia College & State University.
“I am excited and honored to return to Greene County High School and serve a community that has always held a special place in my heart,” Flores said.
“Over the years since I taught in Greene County, I have stayed connected to this community through athletic events, graduations, and relationships with former students and families because this county has always felt like home to me.
“I believe in creating strong systems, high expectations, and supportive relationships that allow both students and educators to succeed, and I look forward to building on the great work already happening at GCHS.”