The Future of the Piedmont Foundation (FOTP) today presented its inaugural Catalyst Award to Dr. Angela Hairston, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools, in recognition of her extraordinary leadership in driving meaningful change across the Dan River Region.
The Catalyst Award was created by FOTP’s board of directors to recognize leaders whose vision, courage, and persistence spark transformation that extends beyond their immediate responsibilities. The award is not designed to be an annual recognition but rather reserved for moments when leadership of exceptional consequence emerges in the region.
“We created the Catalyst Award to recognize the rare moments when a leader’s vision and determination spark transformation that reshapes a community’s future. This isn’t something we’ll hand out every year, it’s reserved for leadership of genuine consequence. Dr. Hairston walked into one of the most challenging situations in our region and, through sheer force of will and a deep commitment to collaboration, turned it around. She didn’t just fix a school system; she restored a community’s belief in what’s possible. That’s the kind of leadership that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.” said Jeff Haley, Chairman of the Future of the Piedmont Foundation Board of Directors.
When Dr. Hairston returned to Danville in December 2020 to lead the school division where she once taught mathematics and served as a principal, only two of the district’s eleven schools met state accreditation standards. Through her strategic focus on attendance, curriculum alignment, professional development, and community engagement, all Danville Public Schools achieved full accreditation in 2025—the first time in more than a decade.
FOTP board members emphasized that the Catalyst Award recognizes Dr. Hairston’s leadership rather than the accreditation achievement itself. The turnaround required building trust across a divided community, setting high expectations while providing support, and maintaining focus on long-term cultural change rather than short-term
fixes.
“I am honored and thankful for the support of the Future of the Piedmont as we always strive to improve together. Education is the most powerful investment a community can make in its future. Every lesson taught, every student supported, and every door opened multiplies across generations. When we believe in our young people and equip them with knowledge and confidence, we create a future filled with possibility,” said Dr. Hairston.
Dr. Hairston is a native of Southern Virginia who received her undergraduate degree from Averett College and began her career in education in the Halifax County and Virginia Beach school systems before returning to Danville. She earned her master’s degree from Hampton University and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech. Prior to returning to Danville, she served as superintendent in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, North Carolina, and in Augusta, Georgia, bringing more than 30 years of experience in public education to her current role.
The Future of the Piedmont Foundation was established in 2000 when business leaders from Danville and Pittsylvania County came together to develop strategies for rebuilding the regional economy following the decline of the tobacco and textile industries. Working with MDC, Inc., FOTP produced the “Learning, Working, Winning” master plan that has guided regional economic transformation for more than two decades. The organization continues to meet monthly and includes leaders from business, education, and civic organizations committed to the region’s future.