Dr. Whittney McPherson
Dr. Whittney McPherson
Dr. Whittney McPherson serves as the Director of Finance for Lumpkin County School System, leading the school system through financial oversight, budgeting, strategic planning, and reporting. Before joining the District Office Cabinet, Whittney was a high school assistant principal, department head, teacher, advisor, and coach. She serves as a Family Connection mentor and an adjunct teacher for Northwest Georgia RESA. Whittney is a proud Rotarian and an active leader in the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club of Dahlonega, where she serves as Sergeant at Arms.
Whittney attended college at University of Montevallo and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Science Education. She went on to earn a Master's Degree from the University of North Georgia (NGCSU) in Science Education, an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Piedmont University and a Tier II Leadership Certification from the University of North Georgia. Whittney completed her Doctorate Degree in Educational Innovation and Practice at the University of South Carolina where she researched the impacts of peer coaching on teacher effectiveness and school improvement.
Whittney has been recognized as a Senior Elite by the University of Montevallo, a Master Advisor for Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year for Gainesville City School System, and an Ideal Indian for Lumpkin County Schools. She is a graduate of Leadership Lumpkin County, GLISI Aspiring Leaders, the UGA Carl Vinson Institute School Financial Accounting Personnel Certificate Program, GAEL’s Aspiring Principals Program and GOSA’s GSLA Leadership Development Program. She is currently participating in GLISI as a District Liaison where she will be leading a team from Lumpkin County through action research in school improvement. She is also actively earning a micro-credential in executive coaching from GAEL.
Whittney is grateful for her time at the University of North Georgia, both in the Masters of Science Education Program and in the Tier II Leadership Certification Program. She attributes much of her success in the classroom and in administration to her studies and internships through UNG. The University of North Georgia instilled in Whittney the importance of excellence, student-focus, integrity, engagement, and service to teach and lead effectively in 21st Century schools. Whittney is thrilled and honored to be recognized as an UNG 20 Under 40 Alumna and is committed to continue growing, learning, and leading to improve herself, her school system, and her community.
Whittney is married to her wonderful husband, Dustin, who works at Georgia Power and serves the community as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for Lumpkin County. Whittney and Dustin live in Dahlonega with their sweet Goldendoodle, Marty. They adore this community and the wonderful people, great outdoor activities, impressive cultural events, and rich history it has to offer.