LaGRANGE — A longtime businessman has announced his intent to run for a Troup County Board of Education seat.

Kirk Hancock plans to run for the District 2 seat currently held by Dianne Matthews. The seat will be up for election during the May 24 primary election. Qualifying for candidates is set for March 7 to 11.

“I want to raise the bar in our education system so that every student is prepared to thrive upon graduation and every teacher is empowered to perform at their highest level,” Hancock said in a press release. “As a board member, my focus will be to define the strategic vision of the school system and to work with and hold superintendent accountable for achieving this vision across the entire system.

“I was not lucky enough to be born in Troup County, but I chose to make it my family’s home almost 20 years ago,” he continued. “I am confident that I can bring my business experiences and passion for excellence in education to the board and our community.”

Hancock is a principal partner in Cardinal Points Group, an Atlanta-based consultancy that provides strategy and business transformation services to technology and service firms. Prior to that he was the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of The North Highland Company, an employee-owned, global management and technology consulting firm.

While there, Hancock said he led the company in growth from $32 million in revenue to over $350 million, among other accomplishments.

“My extensive business background of managing the operations and financial resources of a growing employee-based company have shown me the importance of a establishing a clear vision and building a strong, cohesive culture to implement the vision,” he said. “These experiences make me uniquely qualified for the school board position.”

In addition, Hancock served on education policy organizations including as vice chairman for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Education and Workforce Committee, and the Troup County Parent and Teacher Task Force, he said.

“This involvement has provided me extensive exposure to education issues at both the local and state level.”

Hancock is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in accounting.

A member of Rosemont Baptist Church, Hancock teaches Sunday school, has chaired the finance committee, served on the youth pastor search committee and has participated in missions to Guatemala. Hancock has also volunteered as a big brother in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization and is a member of Rotary.

Kirk is married to Ruth Hancock. Kirk and Ruth have two children: Rachel, 23, and Hunter, 21, both graduates of Troup High School.

Rachel graduated from the University of Georgia and is attending dental school this fall. Hunter is a junior at Texas A&M University where he serves in the Corps of Cadets.

Anyone seeking more information may contact Hancock at 706-773-4134, visit votekirkhancock.com or on facebook.