two men standing arm in arm, dressed in business casual, smiling
five adults, men and women, standing with their arms around eachtother as they smile at the camera
four adults standing arm in arm smiling and holding eachother close
White cake with writing in blue frosting saying Congratulations on your retirement Wes Wynens

Wynens, the director of the Leadership Education and Development program (LEAD) at Georgia Tech, was a faculty member in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy.With more than 20 years of experience in applied leadership development, coaching, and leadership education, Wynens’ work focused on adaptive leadership and the effects of challenge and loss on leadership capacity. He provided curricular and co-curricular leadership development opportunities and consulted with student organizations to support meaningful leadership experiences.

Wes has had an undeniably significant impact on our students through leadership education. I celebrate him for his wisdom, clarity, and deep commitment to leadership development.

- Professor Adjo A. Amekudzi-Kennedy, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, and co-founder of the Global Engineering Leadership Minor at Georgia Tech.

The featured speakers at his retirement celebration on Dec. 16, 2026, included Stacey Doremus, now the LEAD interim director, Jeff Davis, LEAD faculty co-director, and Kari White, Director of Operations and Strategic Alliances in Housing and Residence Life.  Each spoke gratefully about the important role Wynens had played at Georgia Tech, impacting the campus community as well as their own professional development.

Doremus began, 

We can choose the type of work we do and the place we join, but we can't always choose our boss. So, when we get one who challenges you, disrupts your thinking, and helps you reach your full potential, it is a gift.

She continued by acknowledging how his encouragement and coaching served to bring her to pursue her “life’s calling and that could not have been accomplished without your ‘Yes.’”

Doremus was followed by heartfelt, and sometimes teary, remarks from Davis, White, and current and former students.  It was the students, especially, who brought to life the extraordinary influence Wynens had on their journey through Georgia Tech and into their adult lives.

The afternoon ended with remarks shared by John M. Stein, Associate Vice President for Student Life & Brandt-Fritz Dean of Students Chair. His full remarks are shared at the end of this article; he began with this summation of Wes’s meaningful role at Georgia Tech:

“For the past 15 years, Wes has been the heart, the architect, and the steady compass behind Grand Challenges and LEAD. What began as an ambitious idea grew, under his leadership, into a nationally respected leadership development program and a living–learning community that changed the trajectory of countless students’ lives.”

 

Remarks at the retirement celebration for Wes Wynens, 12/16/2026 

John M. Stein, Associate Vice President for Student Life & Brandt-Fritz Dean of Students Chair  

 

Today we celebrate more than a retirement — we celebrate a legacy. 

For the past 15 years, Wes has been the heart, the architect, and the steady compass behind Grand Challenges and LEAD. What began as an ambitious idea grew, under his leadership, into a nationally respected leadership development program and a living–learning community that changed the trajectory of countless students’ lives. He did this by surrounding himself with talented, smart, innovative staff who helped make his vision a reality. 

Grand Challenges was never just about projects or challenges—it was about purpose. About asking students to look beyond themselves, to wrestle with complex problems, to lead with integrity, empathy, and courage. Through vision, persistence, and an unwavering belief in students, Wes and his staff built a community where curiosity thrived, collaboration mattered, and leadership was practiced—not just taught. 

What makes this work extraordinary is not only what was created, but how it was created. With care. With intention. With a deep understanding that leadership development is ultimately about relationships—about listening, mentoring, and challenging people to become their best selves. Students didn’t just live in Grand Challenges; they belonged there. And that sense of belonging is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our students. 

The impact of these past 15 years cannot be measured by numbers alone. It lives in the alumni who now lead in their professions and communities, carrying forward the values they learned here. It lives in the colleagues who were inspired, supported, and made better by working alongside you. And it lives in an institution that is stronger because of your vision and your voice. 

As you step into retirement, know this: LEAD and Grand Challenges is what it is today because of you. Your work will continue to ripple outward for years to come, long after today. 

Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your commitment to students. And thank you for believing that big challenges deserve bold, compassionate leaders. 

Congratulations on a remarkable career—and on a well-earned next chapter.