Henry County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Henry County Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, human resources, and executive administration.

Focused on delivering world-class education, Henry County Schools empowers nearly 44,000 students through robust 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
  • Interim Chief Human Resources Officer - Anissa Johnson
  • Executive Director - Barry Miles
  • Shanika Clay - Chief Financial Officer

    Shanika Clay, the Chief Financial Officer at Henry County Schools, manages the fiscal health and student-centered budgeting processes for the eighth largest school district in Georgia. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that significant investments reach classroom instruction and staff compensation packages. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to maintain long-term financial stability while supporting the expansion of STEM programs. By optimizing budgetary workflows, Shanika Clay directly impacts the district's ability to provide world-class educational opportunities. The Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams and expenditure reports to guarantee transparency and accountability. Through the precise management of district funds, Clay secures the necessary capital to sustain 53 schools. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial strategies that prioritize student success, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the academic growth and future readiness of the student population within the regional market.

    David Carter - Chief Information Officer

    David Carter, the Chief Information Officer at Henry County Schools, directs the digital infrastructure and technological integration across 53 district facilities. Overseeing the implementation of advanced STEM-focused learning tools, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all classrooms maintain high-speed connectivity and secure data management systems. This leadership role involves coordinating with district administrators to align software procurement with academic goals. By modernizing the technological landscape, David Carter directly impacts the quality of instruction provided to students. The Chief Information Officer manages the deployment of hardware and software resources, ensuring that the district remains competitive in a global society. Through the strategic oversight of information systems, Carter supports the overarching mission of providing exceptional educational access. The Chief Information Officer maintains rigorous standards for cybersecurity and digital equity, fostering an environment where technology enhances student outcomes and streamlines administrative efficiency across the entire Georgia-based district.

    Valerie Suessmith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Valerie Suessmith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Henry County Schools, directs talent acquisition, professional development, and workforce retention strategies for the district. Overseeing the recruitment of high-quality educators, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the staff possesses the expertise required to deliver world-class STEM instruction. This leadership role involves managing labor relations and implementing policies that support employee well-being and professional growth. By fostering a culture of excellence, Valerie Suessmith directly impacts the quality of the learning environment across 53 schools. The Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to align staffing levels with the district's strategic goals. Through the effective management of human capital, Suessmith maintains a robust workforce capable of meeting the needs of 44,000 students. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the district attracts top-tier talent to serve the diverse student population in Georgia.
    Valerie Suessmith

    Anissa Johnson - Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

    Anissa Johnson, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Henry County Schools, manages daily personnel operations and supports the transition of key staffing initiatives. Overseeing the administration of employee benefits and performance evaluation systems, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the district maintains operational continuity. This leadership role involves addressing immediate staffing needs and facilitating communication between the administration and the teaching faculty. By streamlining human resource processes, Anissa Johnson directly impacts the efficiency of the district's 53 schools. The Interim Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the broader leadership team to uphold standards of excellence in staff support and development. Through the diligent oversight of personnel records and compliance, Johnson provides stability during periods of organizational change. The Interim Chief Human Resources Officer drives efforts to maintain a positive work environment, ensuring that all staff members remain focused on the core mission of providing high-quality education to students throughout the district.

    Barry Miles - Executive Director

    Barry Miles, the Executive Director at Henry County Schools, directs high-level operational initiatives and coordinates cross-departmental projects to support the district's strategic vision. Overseeing the execution of district-wide programs, the Executive Director ensures that all 53 schools align with the overarching goal of providing world-class STEM education. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between administrative policy and classroom implementation to drive student success. By facilitating collaboration among various departments, Barry Miles directly impacts the district's ability to meet the needs of 44,000 students. The Executive Director monitors project timelines and resource utilization to ensure that strategic objectives remain on track. Through the effective management of complex organizational tasks, Miles supports the superintendent and the Board in achieving long-term educational goals. The Executive Director drives operational excellence, ensuring that the district maintains its position as a leader in the Georgia education sector by fostering innovation and accountability at every level.

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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 5 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, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Director.