Greenville Literacy Association names new executive director

Victoria Novak has been selected to serve as executive director of the Greenville Literacy Association (GLA), a 58-year-old non-profit organization that provides education for adults who strive to complete their GED, become fluent in English, and prepare for the workforce. Novak will assume the role of executive director May 1.

“Victoria has a wealth of experience and a strong record of accomplishments in both higher education and workforce development,” said Karen Potter, chair of the GLA board of directors. “We are thrilled to have her in the executive director role as her leadership will be vital to ensuring GLA students meet their education goals and obtain a rewarding career that pays a family-sustaining wage.”

As executive director, Novak will have strategic and operational responsibility for GLA’s staff, programs and execution of its mission. She will direct all activities of the organization with the goal of improving adult education, advancement, and employability in Greenville County.

“I am honored to join this exceptional organization as the new executive director,” said Novak. “With a deep commitment to our mission, I am eager to lead our team in expanding our impact of providing accessible and transformative educational and career opportunities. I am confident that, together, we will build a culture of continuous learning and growth in our community. I look forward to working closely with our staff, board, and supporters to drive innovation, excellence, and impact to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Most recently Novak served as director of online professional development and certifications at Spartanburg Methodist College for nearly three years. In this role, she was responsible for collaborating with local community partners to develop short- and long-term strategies for workforce training programs aimed at closing the skills gap and creating economic mobility for individuals in high-demand industries. In addition, she served as a faculty member in the professional development department where she taught applied technology, design thinking, and capstone courses. She also helped connect students with career opportunities at local businesses.

Prior to working at Spartanburg Methodist College, Novak served as an adjunct faculty member and as director of workforce and IT innovation at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Omaha, Nebraska, for two years. In this role, she provided oversight of MCC’s Center for Advanced & Emerging Technology, a 75,000-square foot facility designed to bring industry to campus to train incumbent workers in emerging technologies and to foster relationships with start-ups and entrepreneurs. She also developed and led a team of industry experts to form the MCC Code School, a nine-month, immersive web application development program.

Before MCC, Novak served as vice president of strategic partnerships and director of fundraising for AIM Institute in Omaha for three years and as director of operations and collections manager for Signature Performance/Tiburon for 15 years.

Novak has a bachelor’s degree in gerontology and women’s studies and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management. She is in the process of completing a doctorate in education degree with a concentration in learning, design and technology. In addition, she is a certified online instructor and a certified leadership facilitator.

Since moving to the Upstate in 2020, Novak has been engaged in the local community. She currently serves on the United Way of the Piedmont’s Economic Mobility Vision Council, the Upstate Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Committee, and the Hub City Farmers Market board. She also serves as a Start Smart Coach with Spartanburg Academic Movement and is a graduate of Leadership Spartanburg.

About Greenville Literacy Association 

Greenville Literacy Association (GLA) is one of the largest community-based adult literacy programs in South Carolina and one of the most highly developed in the nation. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, GLA’s mission is to enrich our community by increasing the literacy and employability of our citizens. GLA promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment and provides accessible, affordable, high-quality adult education to people of all abilities. To learn more, visit greenvilleliteracy.org.