Breakthrough Atlanta recently appointed two new members to its Board of Directors: Mr. Jonathan Watkins, MPA, FACHE, and Mr. Brennan Spry. Watkins and Spry join a Board of Directors comprised of committed leaders from across companies and industries in Atlanta devoted to opening doors for underserved students in order for them to succeed academically, socially, and professionally.
Through its signature six-year program, Breakthrough Atlanta provides life-changing support and guidance to middle school, high school, and college students to overcome educational disparities and pave the pathway to a four-year degree and a career. The tuition-free, year-round educational programming empowers students and their families to close learning gaps and to make college attainable and affordable. Grounded in the philosophy of students teaching students, Breakthrough Atlanta also provides a paid teaching internship to college students interested in becoming educators so they can confidently pursue their dream career.
“I’m beyond excited and honored to serve on Breakthrough Atlanta’s Board of Directors,” said Jonathan Watkins, MPA, FACHE, President of City of Hope Atlanta. “The organization provides an invaluable service to students and closely aligns with my personal passion for helping young men and women navigate what many would consider difficult circumstances and achieve their goals. Moreover, the appointment affords me the opportunity to pay forward the support and assistance I received as a high school student that had dreams and aspirations of succeeding in life.”
Watkins is currently President of City of Hope Atlanta, a treatment facility that is part of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. In his role, Watkins provides strategic guidance for the hospital while working closely with leadership across the City of Hope Comprehensive Care Network.
Prior to joining City of Hope, Watkins served as chief executive officer at Broward Health Imperial Point; as chief operating officer at Kaiser Foundation Hospitals & Health Plan in California’s Central Valley area; and as vice president of clinical operations/chief operating officer of Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Watkins holds a master’s degree in public administration with a certification in health administration, as well as a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and planning from Tennessee State University.
“I am honored to join the board of an organization like Breakthrough Atlanta that is doing so much in our community to help advance the education of underserved students,” said Brennan Spry, Managing Director, J.P Morgan Securities. “I have been a supporter of Breakthrough for many years, and I look forward to being more involved.”
Spry is a Managing Director in J.P. Morgan’s Commercial & Investment Banking division. Before joining J.P. Morgan, Spry was a banker at Barclays Capital and predecessor Lehman Brothers. Spry holds a BA from Wake Forest University and an MBA from The University of North Carolina. He resides in Atlanta with his wife and three children.
For nearly 30 years, Breakthrough Atlanta has positively impacted educational evolution and personal growth for more than 3,100 7th to 12th graders and 650 college students. During that time, 100% of Breakthrough scholars have graduated high school on time. On average, over 80% enroll in college immediately following high school, and graduate college at twice the rate of their peers. The majority of Breakthrough Atlanta participants are the first in their families to go to college.
Read more here about our Board of Directors. We extend a warm welcome to Jonathan and Brennan!