"We are thrilled that Gail has agreed to lead GOAL through this exciting time of transition and growth," said Rebecca Clements, chair of GOAL's board of directors. "She has been an integral part of GOAL's success during her time as director of operations, and she has a clear vision of where she will lead the organization in her new role. Her energy and connection with GOAL's mission is unmatched. Gail will be a very effective leader for GOAL."

Rothman, a resident of Decatur, graduated with high honors from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in cultural anthropology. Her Master's degree in Intercultural Education and Training, from the School for International Training had a strong emphasis on experiential education. Rothman brings to GOAL over 13 years of youth development and program management experience. During her tenure with GOAL, she has designed and implemented extensive staff training and increased the reach of the GOAL curriculum through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Rothman is also founding member of the planning committee of MAGiC, the Metro Atlanta Girls Coalition which brings girl-serving organizations together for networking, advocacy, training and education.

As Rothman takes leadership of GOAL, the organization enters a phase that is often difficult for nonprofits - the departure of a founding executive director. GOAL's board of directors has worked with McCullough to make the transition seamless.

"Words cannot adequately express what Kaffie has meant to GOAL," said Clements. "Her passion and commitment to changing girls' lives is the foundation on which this entire organization is built. We are grateful for the countless sacrifices she has made for GOAL and the girls that we serve. We will miss her greatly as we carry on her legacy."

GOAL was established in 1998 by McCullough, who had seen many women come to her psychotherapy practice struggling with issues of self-esteem and self-awareness. This inspired her to establish a program that could provide girls with opportunities to build self-confidence and leadership skills that would serve them well not only during the difficult years of adolescence, but also into adulthood. GOAL began by offering a week-long summer camp for girls from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds.

In 2004, GOAL determined that it could increase its impact by partnering with other girl-serving organization to deliver programs using the GOAL curriculum. This new program delivery model has proven to be both fiscally and programmatically sound, and has enabled GOAL to begin offering programs nationwide. In January 2006, GOAL granted the first out-of-state license for its curriculum to Children's Service Society of Wisconsin (CSSW) in Milwaukee. Other licensing partners include the Boys and Girls Club of South Georgia and the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP).

About GOAL
GOAL (Girls' Opportunities for Adventure and Leadership) is a nonprofit organization that provides experiential learning programs to build self-awareness and leadership skills in adolescent girls. The organization's curriculum, developed by a multicultural team of educators, psychologists and psychotherapists, focuses on issues that are unique to middle school age girls. For more information on GOAL's programs, visit www.goalonline.org or call (404) 633-9413.

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