Superintendent

As superintendent of Huntsville City Schools, Christie Finley is a third-generation educator with more than 25 years of experience in public education.  

She embraces a core belief in the power of innovation, which is representative of the city and stakeholders she serves. This innovative spirit is embedded within the district’s strategic plan that serves as the system’s roadmap for the future. Whether it is partnering with ADTRAN and Huntsville Utilities to provide wifi to all children or ensuring the district met its required one-month reserve while limiting impacts on classrooms, Finley is focused on finding solutions as she serves students. 

In collaboration with her leadership team, Finley was able to guide the Board to earning partial unitary status in its desegregation case, which marks the first time the district has received a partial green factor in the more than 55-year history of the case. 

Finley believes in the power of collaboration to promote student achievement. She has partnered with The Schools Foundation and the Creative Cities Fund for the Committee of 100 to help increase the number of teachers within the district who engage in the National Board Certification process. She has also strengthened existing partnerships, such as with the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC). 

Finley received the 2019/2020 Sustainer of the Year Award from the Junior League of Huntsville for her leadership and commitment to the organization. She was also recognized by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) in February 2020 with the Legislative Engagement Award for her collaborative efforts and partnerships with state legislators. Additionally, she was named the SSA Superintendent of the Year for District 9. 

During her career in Huntsville City Schools, Finley has served in a variety of roles including school principal, Director of Secondary Programs, and Deputy Superintendent of Strategy and Innovation. 

She earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and began her career in education as a high school social studies teacher at Bob Jones High School. She completed her master’s degree from Alabama A&M University in school counseling, and, while working as a counselor, she earned her educational leadership degree from the University of South Alabama.  

She is a proud parent of a Huntsville City Schools student and believes in the HCS mission of inspiring, engaging, and empowering all students to become creative problem solvers, active citizens, and lifelong learners.