Dr. Henry C. Ficklin is serving his first term on the Bibb County Board of Education, representing District 2.  He serves as Chair of the Policies and Rules Committee.

A highly awarded retired educator with an earned Ph.D. from Mercer University, he is the pastor of a local Baptist church. His career in education includes administration, director of law academy, teaching, coaching, mentoring, and a fellowship at Harvard University Graduate School of Education. During his leadership of a civil rights organization, he was encouraged to be a part of the change he wanted to see, therefore, he ran for and was elected to Macon City Council for eight consecutive terms. On Council, he was immediately put into a leadership role and eventually became the chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee for twelve years.

Citizens, over the years, have appreciated his straight talk, often unconventional perspectives, and the depth of his “real world” leadership experience. Dr. Ficklin is distinguished by his ability to identify, leverage, and develop innovative strategies for improvement of student achievement.  Throughout his career, he has helped citizens, peers, students, and subordinates recognize their unique capabilities and position themselves as "stakeholders" by addressing their singular role in the realm of education. 

His doctoral studies focus on public administration and leadership development. He has a contagious enthusiasm and passionate belief in students that inspires them to become prouder, stronger, and more valuable contributors to their educational and community environments. He has also led and founded historical initiatives (The James Wimberly Institute, Inc.) to inform citizens of local individuals who made significant contributions to mankind. He co-founded The Georgia Suns Youth Empowerment Program, a top-performing organization, with the aim of addressing the conditions of poverty among minority youth and building an avenue to propel them into greater futures. He also maintains a ministry to help families in distress, Keryx Ministries, Inc.  

His background includes a cutting-edge accredited high school diploma program, twenty years of Executive financing for the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials and serving as an officer/leader on many governmental, educational and religious boards and commissions. In addition to his Ph.D., Dr. Ficklin holds a M.Ed. from Georgia College and State University, a BA in Political Science from Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas and an AA in Biology from Southwestern Christian College, Terrell, Texas. Dr. Ficklin has authored many practical manuals and is published in the Harvard Graduate School of Education Curriculum Compendium.

In his service to education, Dr. Ficklin is guided by the words of NYU Professor of Education, Dr. Neil Postman, who said, "All children enter school as question marks and leave as periods."