Resilient Georgia Announces Two New Board Members

Organization celebrates two founding emeritus members

ATLANTA – March 2026 – Resilient Georgia, a statewide coalition of organizations building a more resilient, trauma-informed Georgia, welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors. The nonprofit is also celebrating their first two emeritus and founding board members, Ms. Rebecca Blanton and Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, who also served as founding board chairperson since the organization’s launch in 2019. Dr. Kathryn Martin has been named the new Board Chair, bringing deep expertise in medical education, public health, and coalition building.

The two new board members include: 

Dr. Emily Graybill, an Associate Professor of School Psychology at Rutgers University and a nationally certified school psychologist. Her research focuses on translating evidence-based mental health and behavioral interventions into school and community settings, with a particular emphasis on early childhood systems. She has supported Georgia school districts on the implementation and evaluation of school-based mental and behavioral health initiatives for the past 20 years. 

Gilda “Gigi” Pedraza, founder and Executive Director of the Latino Community Fund Georgia, a public charity that catalyzes investment and collaboration in Georgia’s Latinx community. A social entrepreneur and community leader, she works to strengthen community-based organizations through advocacy, research, leadership development, and grantmaking.

”We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Emily Graybill and Gigi Pedraza to the board,” said Emily Anne Vall, Executive Director, Resilient Georgia. “Their expertise and passion for strengthening building trauma informed communities will help guide Resilient Georgia as we continue expanding our impact across the state.”

Vall also expressed deep gratitude for the organization’s founding leaders.

“Resilient Georgia would not be where it is today without the vision and leadership of our founding board members, Rebecca Blanton and Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald,” said Vall. “They helped lay the foundation for a statewide movement to advance trauma-informed care and build resilience in our communities. Their dedication, wisdom, and belief in what was possible have shaped Resilient Georgia into the organization it is today, and we are deeply grateful for the lasting impact of their service. They are true public servants whose deep expertise, leadership, and passion for this work have left a lasting legacy for Resilient Georgia and the communities we serve."

A complete list of Resilient Georgia’s Board of Directors can be found at resilientga.org.    

About Resilient Georgia

Resilient Georgia is a statewide coalition of 20 regional coalitions across all 159 counties that are committed to building a stronger, more resilient Georgia. Through a network of public and private partners, Resilient Georgia is creating a pipeline of trauma-informed behavioral health services and resources that support children and families who have experienced adversity. This integrated system includes prevention, early intervention, research, advocacy and policy, and care implementation and coordination. Learn more at resilientga.org.