Alyssia Wright, Ed.S.

Alyssia L. Wright is a dedicated professional with an impressive 26-year career in child nutrition. She currently serves as the Executive Director of School Nutrition for Fulton County Schools in the metro Atlanta area of Georgia, where she oversees 97 kitchens and leads a team of 700 school nutrition employees. In this role, Wright oversees the daily service of approximately 76,000 meals while managing a $57 million budget. Her passion for delivering wholesome meals to students resonates throughout her team, fostering a collaborative environment dedicated to providing the best service and dining experience for every customer. Her expertise extends beyond Fulton County Schools as she regularly shares best practices through conference presentations, radio and podcast interviews, television news segments, and print and digital media.

Wright has been an active leader within the Georgia School Nutrition Association (GSNA), serving as State President, President-Elect, Chair of the GSNA Foundation Committee, Chair of the Nominating Committee, Conference Steering Chair, Conference Steering Co-Chair, Chair of Public Policy & Legislation, and on numerous other committees. She continues her service as Co-Chair of the GSNA Industry Seminar. Nationally, Wright has served as Chair of the School Nutrition Association’s Program Planning and Development Committee and participated on SNA’s L.E.A.D. Grant Advisory Group and Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) Task Force. She has also represented the K-12 community through service on the Governor’s K-12 Restart Working Group, the Georgia Department of Education’s School Nutrition Program Director’s Advisory Council, the Action for Healthy Kids Urban School Wellness Coalition, and the Fulton County Schools Emergency Task Force.

Wright has received numerous honors throughout her career, including the 2022 Silver Plate Award as Foodservice Operator of the Year for Elementary and Secondary Schools, the SNA President’s Award of Service (2023), the SNA State Award of Excellence – GSNA (2023), the Product Design Champion Award from New Age Industrial (2022), the Georgia Department of Education Nexus Award – Platinum Elite Status (2019), and the Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence (FAME) Silver Leadership Award (2019). She currently serves as Vice Chair of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) K-12 Foodservice Leadership Council.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Wright holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management with a minor in Business Management from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Education from Brenau University, an Education Specialist degree from Troy University, and School Nutrition Association certification through the University of Georgia.

Wright and her family include her two children, Braelyn and Branson II, and their two dogs, Bosco and Bella.

Areas of Responsibility

Wright oversees the daily operations of the school nutrition program, ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations while developing and implementing policies and procedures. She also manages the program budget, monitors expenses and revenue, and ensures the efficient use of resources to maintain financial stability.

What She Brings to the Role

Wright brings a comprehensive understanding of school nutrition program management, a strong commitment to regulatory compliance, and expertise in financial stewardship. She prioritizes building strong relationships and fostering a positive work environment, recognizing that employee dedication and teamwork are essential to delivering outstanding service to students.

Education

• Georgia Southern University (B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management; minor in Business Management)
• Brenau University (M.Ed.)
• Troy University (Education Specialist)
• University of Georgia (School Nutrition Association Certification)

Professional Affiliations

• Georgia School Nutrition Association
• School Nutrition Association
• International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) K-12 Foodservice Leadership Council (Vice Chair)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

Personal Interests

In her free time, Wright enjoys serving as a personal chauffeur for her children, spending time with family and friends, and making time for self-care.