The Alabama Association of School Boards announced Wednesday that Chad Holden has officially become executive director, bringing more than two decades of experience as an educator, administrator, superintendent and former school board member to the statewide organization.
Holden began serving as executive director on July 1, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Sally Smith.
“Strong organizations are built on strong foundations,” Holden said. “AASB has earned the trust of school boards across Alabama through decades of dedicated service, advocacy and leadership. I am honored to build upon that foundation as we work strategically to strengthen local school boards, support student success and shape the future of public education together.”
Raised in Green Hill and a graduate of the Lauderdale County School System, Holden said his connection to public education is “deeply personal.” He and his wife, both first-generation college graduates, credit Alabama’s public schools with creating opportunities that shaped their family’s future.
Holden’s wife teaches in Russellville City Schools, while their two children attend a neighboring district.
Over the past 24 years, Holden served Muscle Shoals City Schools as a classroom teacher, high school administrator and, most recently, superintendent of education for nearly a decade. He also served on the Lauderdale County Board of Education, giving him a perspective on the partnership between school boards and district leadership.
Those experiences have shaped Holden’s collaborative leadership philosophy and given him broad insight into Alabama’s educational landscape, AASB said.
Even with more than two decades of experience, Holden said he believes there is always more to learn. He said he is committed to “listening, building relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of the unique needs, strengths and aspirations” of each local school system.
“As both a superintendent and former board member, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of strong governance, trusted relationships and local leadership,” Holden said. “School boards play a vital role in the success of every community, and AASB exists to equip and support those leaders as they make decisions that impact students every day.”
As executive director, Holden will focus on advancing AASB’s strategic priorities by strengthening board governance, increasing member engagement, preserving local control and empowering communities to advocate effectively for their schools.
Holden said he is eager to connect with board members and education leaders across the state. He plans to visit “every corner of the state” during the association’s upcoming year “to listen and learn” from school board members and provide support where needed.
“Together, we have an opportunity to write the next chapter of our story in this remarkable organization,” Holden said. “When we faithfully answer the call to serve, we are often prepared for more than we realize. Guided by purpose, strengthened by partnership and grounded in the values that have made AASB a trusted leader for generations, I look forward to working alongside our members to make a lasting mark on public education in Alabama.”
