About me
Dr. Dan A. Sims became Superintendent of the Bibb County School District in July 2022. He is a
proud native of Georgia with a lifelong commitment to public education. Dr. Sims brings 28 years of
faithful experience to the success of students and has demonstrated passion for community service
throughout his professional career. During his time in Bibb County, he has already shown a deep
commitment to student and community engagement, all signaling that he is #Built4Bibb.
Dr. Sims is a three-time graduate of Georgia State University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Mathematics, a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education
Degree in Educational Leadership. In 2020, he graduated from the Urban Superintendent’s Academy
through the University of Southern California. His primary training and development outside of his
formal education include Results Coaching certification and summer learning experiences with the
Harvard Graduate School of Education and Relay Graduate School of Education.
Prior to joining Bibb County School District, he served as an Associate Superintendent of Schools in
the Atlanta Public School (APS) System for six years, where he directly led and supported principals
and other leaders as they pushed for excellence in student achievement. His key experiences in this
position included assisting in the creation and implementation of the District’s strategic plan, active
participation in establishing and monitoring District-level budget priorities, coordinating strategies
for aligning departments and resources to support schools, and overseeing the operations of
various District divisions. Before his time in APS, he spent 21 years with the Fulton County School
System, living the unique experience of being a teacher, principal, leader and coach in the same
community in which he grew up. Additional educational impacts include working with the Ministry
of Education on Innovative Leadership and School Management of Barbados, Birmingham City
Schools, Yazoo City Schools (Mississippi), Charlotte-Mecklenburg and the Tucson Unified School
District as an educational consultant, focusing on improving the quality of high school resources
and assisting in the development of equitable strategies for the improvement of African-American
students’ outcomes.
Dr. Sims’ hobbies and primary interests include playing golf, baseball, softball, writing, swimming,
weightlifting, public speaking, and spending time with his family. He has been married to his wife,
Traci, who is also an educator, for more than 27 years. Their family was recognized in 2017 by
"Ebony Magazine" as one of America’s “Coolest Black Families.” This afforded them the opportunity
to tell their story of triumph over tragedy during a series of online publications highlighting the
beauty of family. Key among the family’s story is Dr. Sims’ triumph over cancer. One of his greatest
honors is that of 24-year cancer survivor. For more than 20 years following, Dr. Sims helped to lead
efforts for the American Cancer Society’s South Fulton Relay for Life.
Dr. Sims has been a stalwart of community service and advocacy his entire life. He is a member of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., where he has held various leadership positions and was recognized
as the fraternity’s National Brother of the Year. He is also a faithful and active member of the
Renaissance Church of Christ. Additionally, he has served on the following Boards: Board of Advisors
for the Principals Center at Georgia State University, Board for the Reigning Hope Foundation, and
Board for The Family First Credit Union.
Since joining Bibb County School District, his community service also includes Rotary Club of
Macon and Kiwanis Club of Macon. As an educator and leader, he is also a member of the Georgia
Association of Educational Leaders; Georgia School Superintendents Association; and AASA, The
School Superintendents’ Association.
His awards and recognitions for service to education and the community include:
• Georgia School Counselor Association Advocate of the Year
• Teacher of the Year – Georgia Perimeter College
• Teacher of the Year – Fulton County Schools
• Middle School Principal of the Year – Georgia PTSA
• Humanitarian Award – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Doris Harris Humanitarian Award recipient from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for his humanitarian
efforts in the East Point community
• Named Brother of the Year for the state of Georgia for two straight years – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
Inc.
• Joseph Richardson Learning Leader Award – Georgia State University
• Regional and National Brother of the Year – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Principal of the Year – Fulton County School System
• Terrell Slayton Community Service Award – American Red Cross
• Outstanding Doctoral Student of the Year – Georgia State University
• Hall of Fame Award – Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Outstanding Community Service Award – Concerned Black Clergy
• Outstanding Community Leader Award – Light of the World Association
• Principal’s Award – Atlanta Families for Excellence in Education
• Principal of the Year – Kite Youth Foundation
• Achievement Award – Center for Educational Transformation and Excellence
• Service Award – Southwestern Christian College Fundraising Committee
• Principal of the Year – Georgia PTSA District 10
• American Graduate Champion (featured on PBS online educator series)
• Community Leader Award – 4 Brighter Futures Foundation
• W.E.B. Dubois Award for Excellence in Education – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar – Japan
• “T.O.R.C.H.” Award – RICE Foundation
• Project Friendship Educator of the Year Award – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.