Holden Brings Nearly 24 Years of Public Education Experience to Lead AASB Into Its Next Chapter

The Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) announced today that Chad Holden, Ed.D., has been named the organization’s next executive director.

A lifelong resident of the Shoals area, Holden currently serves as superintendent of Muscle Shoals City Schools, a position he has held since July 2020. He brings nearly 24 years of public education experience to his new role, having also served as a teacher and principal and earning recognition as Alabama's High School Principal of the Year in 2019. His perspective is further shaped by the six years he served as a member of the Lauderdale County Board of Education, including two years as board president.

“Our Board of Directors conducted a thorough and thoughtful search to find the right leader for this critical moment in public education,” said AASB President Scott Suttle. “In Dr. Holden, we found someone who understands our work from every angle — as an educator, as a school board member, as a superintendent and as a parent. He is deeply committed to Alabama’s public schools and to supporting the school board members who serve them. AASB is already a model for what a state school board association can be, and we are confident Dr. Holden is the right person to build on that legacy and take this organization to new heights.”

Throughout his career, Holden has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strong, effective school board governance and the belief that public education is worth protecting and investing in. He knows firsthand AASB’s essential role in helping boards understand policy issues, advocate for students and educators and communicate the value of public education to policymakers.

"I am honored and humbled to be selected to lead this organization," Holden said. "AASB plays a vital role in strengthening school board leadership across this state, and I take that responsibility seriously. Alabama's public schools have powerful stories to tell and meaningful successes to share every single day. But those successes don't happen without strong local leadership and the freedom to lead. Protecting local control of public education is not just a priority; it is a foundational principle that school boards depend on AASB to defend. I look forward to working alongside school boards, AASB staff and partners to move public education forward."

Holden is recognized as a consistent and principled advocate for public education at the state level. Throughout his tenure as superintendent, he has engaged actively in legislative advocacy. As AASB’s executive director, he is expected to bring that same presence and resolve to the State House and to policy conversations well beyond Montgomery, serving as a serious and steady voice for the association and the more than 800 school board members it serves.

Holden earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in educational administration and an educational specialist degree, all from the University of North Alabama, as well as a Doctor of Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham. 

A proud product of Alabama's public schools, Holden is deeply rooted in the community. He is an active member of Atlas Church in Killen, where he serves as music and worship leader. He and his wife, Julia Beth, a business education teacher at Russellville High School, have two teenage sons, Conner and Evan, who attend Muscle Shoals City Schools.

Holden will succeed current AASB Executive Director Sally Smith, who is retiring June 30, 2026, after 40 years of distinguished service to the association, including nearly two decades as executive director. Among her many milestones, Smith championed key education-related legislation including the School Board Governance Improvement Act, oversaw construction and relocation of AASB's current headquarters in downtown Montgomery and led significant expansion of the association's services and programs.

“Leading this organization for 40 years has been the greatest privilege of my professional life, and I am leaving it in extraordinarily capable hands,” Smith said. “Dr. Holden understands what school board members do and why their service matters. He has lived this work from every seat at the table. AASB’s best days are ahead, and I will be its loudest champion.”