De'Andre, a three-time cancer survivor, has worked tirelessly for the last 18 years to advocate for families and children within the state, particularly the Metro Atlanta communities. Since 2006, De'Andre has served in many educational capacities from Educational Specialist and Dean of Students to recently having served as the Superintendent of a Charter Network.

 

Dr. Pickett is the Quality Assurance & Training Director for a Mental Health Program at the WestCare Foundation, a national initiative which builds bridges between formal and informal support systems, promote cultural understanding and responsiveness, and foster both individual and communal healing from trauma. 

 

De’Andre has served in many appointed positions representing our community including receiving an appointment to the Georgia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, where he serves as the Vice Chair. In this role, he actively advocates for Black & Brown families across the state of Georgia to the U.S. Commission.  He previously served on such boards as Georgia Equality, The Main Street Academy, and currently serves as the co-chair of the City of South Fulton Code Enforcement Board as well as being the Chair of the inaugural advisory committee for the Department of Business at Life University.  DeAndre is the 2023 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in Volunteerism under President Joseph R. Biden. 

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De'Andre's community ties continue to run deep within organizations that are building educational improvements and financial stability. Serving as the Educational Attainment and Community Relations Director for the South Fulton Business Coalition where De’Andre’s diverse background in community relationship building along with his experience in education was highlighted.  He continues to serve in many capacities that enrich the quality of life for the families in our communities. In 2013, De'Andre was appointed as a Commissioner to the City of East Point Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, where he served as Chairman.

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De'Andre has served in multiple capacities under the Gold Dome. In 2012, he served as the Chief of Staff for former State Representative Ralph Long III, and In 2015, DeAndre served as Chief of Staff for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus under then leadership former State Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler. During the same year, Google Fiber selected DeAndre as one of 16 persons from around the nation to become the first Digital Inclusion Fellows. During this fellowship, it was De’Andre’s responsibility to build a curriculum for the City of Atlanta towards the Connect Home Initiative. 

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De'Andre continues to volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The American Cancer Society, The Special Olympics of Georgia, the local YMCA, meals on wheels, coaching basketball, mentoring, and serving as the Executive Director for his 4 Brighter Futures Foundation. De'Andre gets invited regularly to provide lectures and professional development trainings throughout the country and continues to secure his spot as an activist, a scholar, and a trailblazer, blazing the paths of young men and women to follow.

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De’Andre is a proud member of  Square Work Lodge #596, PHA where he serves as the Worshipful Master.  Dr. Pickett holds a dual doctorate in Education Administration & Supervision, with a focus on Instructional design & K-12 leadership and Sociology  with an emphasis on the black family. De'Andre spends most of his time serving as a great uncle and a “doggy daddy” to his little companion Chase.