Holden is new director of AASB
BIRMINGHAM — Chad Holden has taken over as executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards, succeeding longtime leader Sally Smith, who recently retired.
“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,” Holden said in a news release.
Holden began the role July 1 after spending 24 years with Muscle Shoals City Schools as a classroom teacher, high school administrator and superintendent. He served as the district’s superintendent for nearly a decade.
He also previously served on the Lauderdale County Board of Education, giving him experience both as a district administrator and as a member of a local school board.
“As both a superintendent and former board member, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of strong governance, trusted relationships and local leadership,” Holden said.
As executive director, Holden said he will focus on strengthening board governance, increasing member engagement, preserving local control and helping communities advocate for their schools.
He also plans to travel throughout Alabama during the coming year to meet with school board members.
“I can’t wait to get my feet on the ground in districts across the state and gain a deeper understanding of their needs and goals,” Holden said.
Holden said the greatest challenge he anticipates, and a great opportunity for growth, is changes in leadership occurring within collaborating associations and the state.
“With change comes new ideas, new opportunities and new relationships,” he said. “The foundation is so strong, but it’s time to write the next chapter of this story.”
The Alabama Legislature designated AASB in 1955 as the representative agency for the state’s school board members. All Alabama school boards are members of the organization.
The organization represents Alabama’s local boards of education and provides training, advocacy and other services supported by membership dues. By pooling resources, the association offers services that individual school boards might not be able to provide economically on their own.
AASB also represents local boards at the State House, tracking and advocating on legislation and state policies affecting public schools, school governance, funding and local control.
The association provides information to board members during legislative sessions and works to influence bills with statewide implications for school systems.
