Managing Director of Advancement | KIPP Atlanta Schools

Torrey Bates currently serves as Managing Director of Advancement at KIPP Atlanta Schools, where he leads the teams responsible for Development, Marketing & Communications, Partnerships, Advocacy, and Family Engagement. In just two years, Torrey has helped more than double annual giving, securing over $6.7 million annually in his first two years, including multiple multi-year million-dollar pledges and scholarships for graduating seniors and alumni. He spearheaded the team responsible for KIPP Atlanta Schools’ first-ever regional rebrand, revitalizing the organization’s identity and communications. This rebrand resulted in a 73% increase in digital engagement, a 45% surge in website traffic, and national recognition as a top-performing region for branding and communications at the KIPP Summit. Torrey also expanded corporate partnerships with organizations such as Chick-fil-A, Cummins, and Ernst & Young, and launched the KIPP Family Network and Adopt-a-School Program, strengthening family and community engagement. His leadership in advocacy has elevated the organization’s voice at the Georgia State Capitol and on Capitol Hill, advancing charter school priorities and engaging scholars in civic life.

Before joining KIPP Atlanta Schools, Torrey served as Executive Director of For the Kingdom (FTK) in Memphis, Tennessee, where he raised $3.5 million in annual revenue and led a $31 million capital campaign to transform a 124-acre campus into a year-round hospitality and community hub. His vision expanded FTK’s reach through agriculture initiatives, housing partnerships, and national corporate relationships with Amazon, Nike, and International Paper.

A recipient of the 2023 NAACP Freedom Award, Torrey is recognized for his passionate visionary leadership, fundraising expertise, scaling organizations, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for youth and families. Originally from Alpharetta, GA, he remains passionate about ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.