Abdul Akbar

In This Section

Abdul Akbar
Decatur, Georgia
Laurel Elementary School PTA, Decatur, Georgia   

Personal and Professional Information

  • 30 years of experience as a civil engineer in local government.  My existing duties include resolving problems connected with sewer and water systems.

  • American Society of Civil Engineers

  • I am the father of three children who have attended various universities. 

  • I am originally from New Jersey.


PTA Involvement

  • Diversity and Inclusion Chairperson, DeKalb County, Region 2

  • Laurel Elementary PTA, Member

Previous service includes: 

  • National PTA Diversity Committee, member for 2 terms

  • National PTA Field Service Committee

  • Druid Hills Cluster, Area 4, Vice President

  • DeKalb County Council of PTAs, Region 1 Liaison

  • Georgia PTAs 11th District, Assistant Director

  • Georgia PTA Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Chairperson (the first Chairperson of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee in the history of Georgia PTA).

  • Served as the Chair for all Standing Committees for Georgia PTA

  • Served on the Board of Directors for Georgia PTA


Community Involvement 

  • American Public Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers, Member

  • Active support of nonprofit and professional organizations across various communities.

Previous service includes:

  • City Councilman for Clarkston, GA, elected twice

  • DeKalb Municipal Association, Vice President

  • National League of Cities, GA representative for the Community and Regional Development Panel


Honors and Awards

  • Georgia PTA Life Membership
  • Numerous additional professional and community honors

Candidate Narrative

I would be deeply honored to continue serving PTA as a member of the National PTA Board of Directors in a role that is not only important but essential to our mission.

As an engineer, I am used to seeing potential and helping transform it into something useful. I would bring that same perspective to the Board, working to identify, support, and develop passionate, inclusive leaders who will help shape PTA’s future.

Our founders were ordinary women with extraordinary vision. Their legacy reminds us that PTA has always been rooted in the power of people coming together for children. We must continue that vision while staying mindful of our members, who are the grassroots advocates and future leaders of PTA.

Too often, leadership is measured by the length of a resume or the titles someone has held. In PTA, the most important question is this: What do our children need? What do our members need? And what does our association need to remain strong and continue the work our founders began?

For years, I have served as a PTA advocate for students, families, and teachers. I have also spent time supporting local and council leaders, helping cultivate the next generation of PTA leadership. I am ready to bring those skills to the National PTA level.

I will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to help keep our association financially strong, grow membership, and reach new communities. Many of tomorrow’s advocates will come from underserved school communities and areas of significant student growth. We must intentionally welcome and engage those families so PTA can remain a powerful voice for every child.

I believe deeply in PTA’s mission and values, and if elected, I will serve with passion, purpose, and a strong commitment to building the future of our association.