The IRC in Atlanta Welcomes Its New Executive Director, JD McCrary

The IRC in Atlanta is delighted to welcome our new Executive Director, Mr. JD McCrary.  JD succeeds Ellen Beattie as Executive Director and his arrival has been much anticipated by the IRC Atlanta community.

 
                                                              Photo: Heidi Gleason
 

A well-known figure in refugee resettlement circles, JD comes to the IRC in Atlanta from Lutheran Service of Georgia (LSG), where he served as Director of Resettlement Services. Prior to joining LSG, JD was Global Field Program Manager for Jumpstart International, overseeing a global non-profit program that provides employment and reconstruction services to war-torn Iraq and Palestine. JD’s international experience also includes two years in the US Peace Corps in Morocco. His management experience spans both the corporate and the non-profit sectors.

JD holds a Masters in International Development from Tulane University with a focus on human rights and public policy and emphasis on Africa and the Middle East. He also has a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Georgia State University and is a certified teacher with a B.A. in Education from Georgia Southern University.

A resident of Clarkston, GA, JD has been a tireless advocate for refugees in the city, county and state level, taking an active role in community organizing to influence public opinion to be more welcoming of refugees and asylees.  He successfully oversaw a period of significant growth in LSG’s service to refugees and the creation of critical new partnerships for the agency. He brings a wealth of knowledge in all the key areas of the IRC in Atlanta’s programs.

It is certain that JD will provide excellent leadership to the IRC in Atlanta and continue our tradition of excellence in service, our positive trajectory of growth, and our well-earned reputation as the foremost resettlement agency in Georgia and flagship office in the IRC network.