National Staff
Dr. Randell E. Trammell
National President & CEO
For ENGAGE – Youth in Government and Center for Civic Engagement related items, email Randell at randell@youthingovernment.org.
Dr. Randell E. Trammell has long been involved in youth development. He holds an undergraduate degree in Religious Education as well as a Master in Business Administration from Reinhardt University. In 2014, he completed his Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in organizational leadership and communication. That same year, after seeing a dire need for resources and support in the area of civics education in Georgia, he developed the concept of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement. In 2017, Dr. Trammell officially launched the Center as a 501c3 nonprofit, becoming its founder and President & Chief Executive Officer. In 2021, the organization expanded it mission to become the United States Center for Civic Engagement, and Dr. Trammell developed the concept of building a Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) to support the Public Service and Safety career cluster.
Dr. Trammell has many achievements and recognitions including:
- Georgia Business Trend’s “40 Under 40” award (2021)
- Bill Bolling Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award Recipient by TechBridge (2021)
- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award through Points of Light (2022)
- Chair of the Georgia Commission for Civic Education by Governor Kemp (2022, reappointed 2024)
- Presidential Leadership Scholar (2023)
- Governor’s Award for Arts & Humanities (2024)
Trammell serves as a member of a number of boards of community, state, and national organizations. Dr. Trammell is a visionary and passionate leader who is nationally recognized in youth civic education and development.
Dr. Angela Hargis
Chief Operating Officer &
Director of Mission Advancement
Email Angela at angela@youthingovernment.org.
Dr. Angela Hargis has dedicated over 35 years to the field of education, retiring in 2019 after a distinguished career as the school principal of Westside Middle School. Her tenure at Westside was marked by exceptional leadership and a commitment to fostering a supportive and academically challenging environment for students and staff alike.
She holds an undergraduate degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Leadership, an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership. Her extensive educational background and practical experience make her a leading figure in advancing civic education and workforce development initiatives.
Post retirement, this seasoned educator has continued to channel her passion and expertise into the areas of civic education, social studies, workforce development, and grant writing. She focuses on preparing students for careers in government and public administration, providing invaluable guidance and support. Her ongoing work involves creating and enhancing programs that inspire and equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in public service roles. Through her efforts, Dr. Hargis aims to cultivate the next generation of civic leaders who are well-prepared to contribute to their communities and the greater public good.
Dr. Christine Hartness is a leader in civic education, public policy, and educational program development. With degrees in Political Science, Social Studies Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and Public Policy, she combines academic expertise with extensive experience designing and leading impactful civic learning initiatives.
Dr. Hartness began her career teaching high school Government, where she played a key role in revitalizing Georgia’s Government and Public Administration Career Pathway, leading curriculum development efforts and becoming one of the first educators to implement the program in the classroom.
In 2023, Dr. Hartness joined the Center for Civic Engagement as Georgia’s Director of Educational Programs, where she led the development of educator resources and statewide initiatives that expanded access to high-quality civic education. She later served as Executive Director for Georgia, overseeing strategic partnerships, statewide programming, and organizational growth. In her current role as National Programs Manager, she leads the development and implementation of civic education initiatives that support the organization’s impact on civic learning nationwide.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hartness has remained committed to translating complex public policy and constitutional concepts into engaging, practical learning experiences that inspire meaningful civic participation.
Brittany Kelley
Coordinator of Communications & External Relations
Email Brittany at brittany@youthingovernment.org
Brittany Kelley brings extensive experience in strategic communications, nonprofit leadership, government relations, and public engagement to her work at the Center for Civic Engagement. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations strengthen their messaging, expand their reach, engage key audiences, and turn their missions into meaningful action.
In 2021, Brittany founded Peach State Approach, a consulting firm specializing in campaign strategy, communications, and government relations. Her advocacy efforts contributed to the passage of several notable Georgia laws, including Simon’s Law, Gracie’s Law, the Mosley Act, and Georgia’s Hands-Free Law. She has also advised candidates and organizations at the local, state, and national levels.
Brittany previously spent two years on staff with the Leadership Institute and continues to serve as volunteer faculty, training candidates, activists, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates across the country. Her broader leadership experience includes developing communication strategies, managing digital content, supporting organizational growth, coordinating programs and events, and building relationships with stakeholders and community partners.
Brittany earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from Liberty University. She and her husband, Justin, are proud to call Georgia home.
Emma Lively is a recent graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South, where she majored in Religious Studies with a concentration in Community Engaged Religions and minored in Civic and Global Leadership. Emma became passionate about community and civic engagement efforts in high school through the Raider Ambassador and Youth Assembly programs. This passion grew in college through her extensive involvement with Sewanee’s Office of Civic Engagement, where she served as a Bonner Leader, Dialogue Across Difference Ambassador, Outreach Trip Leader, Newman Civic Fellow, and Director of the Community Engagement House.
