American Author and Speaker
George Valadie
Hello, George Valadie here, and welcome to my new website “OurFifthFork.com” I hope you’ll stay and roam around a bit!
The name harkens back to a time when our family of five owned but one fork apiece – I kid you not – and we lost one of those.
Life can be silly like that…or far more serious but never lacking in moments when a bit of perspective can be a much-needed gift.
Our hope here is to introduce my new book about the constant search for that gift as well as reaching out to school folks with an interest in hosting a faculty speaker telling stories of the same.
I can truthfully say previous invitations to do so have been an honor – and a blast.
Lastly, thank you for the gift of your time. It is never unappreciated!
About The Author
About George Valadie
He has been honored with “Distinguished Alumnus” and “Service to School” awards at his high school alma mater where he currently holds the position of President Emeritus.
He has delivered keynote addresses to diocesan-wide teacher gatherings of 400+ as well as a start-of-school kick-off to a staff of twenty-five.
George Valadie has written a newspaper column about the people, places and pursuits that have given shape to his life – focusing on schools and kids, teachers and families, friends and faith and trying to be better.
Contributing to publications in the dioceses in which he has served, his essays, stories and search for perspective range from the humorous and heartbreaking to the poignant and personal
He earned a B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Administration from the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga. He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Chattanooga, TN, have three daughters, three sons-in-law (who at times deserve “favorite child” honors) and five grandchildren with a sixth to arrive during the Christmas holidays.
- Dynamic, insightful and inspirational speaker
- Extensive experience in education, administration and inspirational leadership development
“You’ll laugh and you’ll cry and you’ll feel that emotional
mix of a tear in your eye and a lump in your throat.” – G. Valadie