Author Profile
Leocadia I. Zak | President, Agnes Scott College
Current Position and Past Experience
Leocadia I. Zak became the ninth president of Agnes Scott College in July 2018. Under her leadership, the college has strengthened its focus on liberal arts education and professional success, launched graduate programs, and earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report for innovation, teaching, first-year experience, and social mobility. She has expanded the Summit experience with initiatives such as the Sophomore Class Atlanta Leadership Experience (SCALE), Applied Career Experiences (ACE), and the Career Exploration Center, providing students with opportunities for professional development and global career connections. Zak developed the strategic plan Pathway to Success to guide Agnes Scott through 2026, emphasizing transformative education, student success, community building, and engagement beyond campus. She also hosts the podcast Journeys to Leadership, spotlighting women leaders worldwide.
Zak brings extensive experience in international economic development and project finance. In 2010, she was appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Before her public service, she was a partner at Mintz Levin, practicing international and domestic project finance, and taught as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University Law Center and Boston University School of Law. She has held leadership roles on numerous boards, including the Georgia Independent College Association, Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, Women’s College Coalition, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, International Women’s Forum, Truist Atlanta Advisory Council, and Metro Atlanta Chamber Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.
Education, Honors and Achievements
Zak is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Mount Holyoke College, which recognized her as a Woman of Influence, and holds a JD from Northeastern University School of Law. Her leadership at Agnes Scott has been marked by awards and recognition in innovation, teaching, first-year experience, and social mobility. She has also been recognized for her professional contributions through her board leadership roles, her podcast highlighting women leaders, and her extensive impact in international economic development and project finance.
Leocadia I. Zak became the ninth president of Agnes Scott College in July 2018. Under her leadership, the college has strengthened its focus on liberal arts education and professional success, launched graduate programs, and earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report for innovation, teaching, first-year experience, and social mobility. She has expanded the Summit experience with initiatives such as the Sophomore Class Atlanta Leadership Experience (SCALE), Applied Career Experiences (ACE), and the Career Exploration Center, providing students with opportunities for professional development and global career connections. Zak developed the strategic plan Pathway to Success to guide Agnes Scott through 2026, emphasizing transformative education, student success, community building, and engagement beyond campus. She also hosts the podcast Journeys to Leadership, spotlighting women leaders worldwide.
Zak brings extensive experience in international economic development and project finance. In 2010, she was appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Before her public service, she was a partner at Mintz Levin, practicing international and domestic project finance, and taught as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University Law Center and Boston University School of Law. She has held leadership roles on numerous boards, including the Georgia Independent College Association, Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, Women’s College Coalition, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, International Women’s Forum, Truist Atlanta Advisory Council, and Metro Atlanta Chamber Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.
Education, Honors and Achievements
Zak is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Mount Holyoke College, which recognized her as a Woman of Influence, and holds a JD from Northeastern University School of Law. Her leadership at Agnes Scott has been marked by awards and recognition in innovation, teaching, first-year experience, and social mobility. She has also been recognized for her professional contributions through her board leadership roles, her podcast highlighting women leaders, and her extensive impact in international economic development and project finance.
Articles by this author:
