Celebrating Excellence: Pickerington Schools’ Dr. Alesia Gillison Named ATHENA Leadership Award Finalist
Award winners to be Announced at PACC Annual Awards & ATHENA Celebration
April 11, 2025, Pickrington, OH - Pickerington Local School District is proud to announce that Dr. Alesia Gillison, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, is a finalist for the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce.
The ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes individuals who embody excellence, creativity, and initiative in their profession, provide valuable service to their community, and serve as inspiring role models for young women personally and professionally.
Dr. Gillison has been an educator and leader in the field of education for more than 20 years, serving as both a teacher and administrator across multiple districts before joining Pickerington Local Schools in 2021. Her career began as an English teacher at her alma mater and later expanded to impactful roles in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbus City Schools, where she honed her skills as an administrator. This wealth of experience laid a strong foundation for her visionary leadership at PLSD.
Since joining Pickerington Local Schools, Dr. Gillison has been instrumental in fostering academic excellence and community engagement across the District. Under her leadership, Pickerington Local Schools achieved an outstanding 4.5-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card, exceeding state expectations, and strengthened pathways for student success amidst rapid growth and evolving demographics.
Dr. Gillison is a passionate advocate for gender equity in leadership, consistently empowering women and girls through targeted professional development, mentorship, and advocacy that fosters educational and career advancement. A true catalyst for community and family engagement, she created a bilingual family liaison program that leverages the strengths of Pickerington Local School parents to help immigrant families overcome language barriers and more effectively engage with their children's education.
Her efforts are centered on building strong, supportive systems for students and families alike. Dr. Gillison champions continuous professional learning by providing access to high-impact development opportunities for both educators and students.
Her transformative efforts and visionary leadership have not only shaped the lives of countless students, families, and educators but have also earned her recognition from the community. Reflecting on her nomination, Dr. Gillison shared,
“I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition and honored to be named a finalist for the ATHENA Award,” said Dr. Gillison. “I’m continually inspired by the remarkable women who lead with purpose and give so much to our community. This nomination reinforces my commitment to lifting others, especially the next generation of leaders, as we grow and succeed together.”
Additionally, Pickerington Local School District congratulates Jeff Comer, Public Relations Coordinator, on his nomination for the Rising Star Award, which recognizes entrepreneurial achievements and dedication to the community.
Both nominations reflect the exceptional contributions of Pickerington leaders who inspire excellence and collaboration within our schools and the broader community.
The ATHENA Leadership Award winner will be announced at the PACC Annual Awards & ATHENA Celebration on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Wigwam Event Center.
