Henry County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Henry County Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, human resources, and district operations.

Dedicated to academic excellence, Henry County Schools empowers nearly 44,000 students through world-class STEM initiatives and student-centered budgeting to ensure success in a global society.

Leadership Roles at Henry County Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - Shanika Clay
  • Chief Information Officer - David Carter
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Valerie Suessmith
  • Chief Operations Officer - Barry Miles
  • Shanika Clay - Chief Financial Officer

    Shanika Clay, the Chief Financial Officer at Henry County Schools, manages the fiscal health of the eighth largest school district in Georgia. Clay executes student-centered budgeting strategies that prioritize classroom resources and competitive staff compensation. By overseeing the allocation of funds across 53 schools, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial decisions directly support the district's commitment to high-quality education. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility while navigating complex state funding models. Shanika Clay monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maximize the impact of every dollar spent on student achievement. Through rigorous financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer drives long-term stability, allowing the district to invest in critical STEM programs and infrastructure. Ultimately, Clay maintains the economic integrity required to sustain the district's mission of empowering students for success in a global society.

    David Carter - Chief Information Officer

    David Carter, the Chief Information Officer at Henry County Schools, directs the digital infrastructure supporting 53 schools across the district. Carter architects scalable technology frameworks that facilitate STEM learning environments for thousands of students. By managing complex data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure access to educational resources while maintaining compliance with state-level privacy standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with district administrators to integrate modern software solutions into daily classroom instruction. David Carter optimizes network performance to support high-bandwidth digital curricula, directly impacting the quality of instruction provided to the student body. Through strategic technology procurement, the Chief Information Officer drives efficiency across the entire district, ensuring that technological investments align with the broader mission of providing a world-class education. Ultimately, Carter secures the digital foundation necessary for academic growth and operational success within the Georgia education landscape.

    Valerie Suessmith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Valerie Suessmith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Henry County Schools, directs talent acquisition and workforce development for the entire district. Suessmith architects recruitment strategies to attract high-quality educators capable of delivering world-class STEM instruction. By managing personnel policies and staff retention programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the district maintains a highly skilled workforce across all 53 schools. This leadership role involves aligning human capital initiatives with the district's broader goal of student-centered excellence. Valerie Suessmith oversees professional development frameworks that empower teachers to excel in a global society. Through the implementation of efficient staffing models, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational performance and supports the overall mission of the district. Ultimately, Suessmith fosters a supportive professional environment that directly impacts the quality of education provided to nearly 44,000 students throughout the Georgia region.
    Valerie Suessmith

    Barry Miles - Chief Operations Officer

    Barry Miles, the Chief Operations Officer at Henry County Schools, manages the physical infrastructure and logistical support systems for 53 schools. Miles architects facility maintenance plans and transportation logistics that ensure a safe, effective learning environment for nearly 44,000 students. By overseeing capital projects and daily operational workflows, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that school buildings remain conducive to high-quality STEM education. This leadership role involves coordinating with district departments to optimize resource distribution and facility utilization across the region. Barry Miles drives operational efficiency by implementing sustainable practices that reduce overhead costs, allowing more funding to reach the classroom. Through the management of essential support services, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the physical foundation necessary for academic success. Ultimately, Miles secures the operational reliability required to support the district's mission of providing exceptional opportunities to every student within the Georgia school system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Henry County Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Henry County Schools?
    Henry County Schools is led by Shanika Clay (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as David Carter (Chief Information Officer) and Valerie Suessmith (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Henry County Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Henry County Schools includes leaders such as Shanika Clay (Chief Financial Officer), David Carter (Chief Information Officer), Valerie Suessmith (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Henry County Schools have?
    Henry County Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Henry County Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Henry County Schools includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Operations Officer.