Henry County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering world-class education, Henry County Schools empowers 44,000 students through STEM-centered learning and student-focused budgeting to ensure long-term academic success.

Leadership Roles at Henry County Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - Shanika Clay
  • Chief Information Officer - David Carter
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Valerie Suessmith
  • Executive Director - 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 directs the allocation of resources across 53 schools, ensuring that student-centered budgeting remains the primary driver for all financial decisions. By overseeing complex funding streams and staff compensation models, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for high-quality educational delivery. Shanika Clay collaborates with district leadership to align capital investments with long-term academic goals, specifically targeting STEM infrastructure and classroom technology. This financial oversight supports the broader mission of providing equitable access to resources for nearly 44,000 students. Through rigorous auditing and transparent reporting, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain district-wide growth. Ultimately, Clay optimizes the financial framework to foster a competitive learning environment that prepares students for success in a global society.

    David Carter - Chief Information Officer

    David Carter, the Chief Information Officer at Henry County Schools, architects the digital infrastructure supporting 53 schools across the district. Carter manages the integration of advanced technology into the classroom, specifically focusing on expanding STEM opportunities for all grade levels. By overseeing the deployment of secure networks and educational software, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students possess the tools necessary for modern learning. David Carter coordinates with instructional leaders to align digital resources with the district's world-class education standards. This leadership role involves maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data for 44,000 students and staff members. Through the implementation of scalable technology solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives efficiency in administrative and academic workflows. Ultimately, Carter bridges the gap between complex technical requirements and the practical needs of the classroom, ensuring that the district remains at the forefront of educational innovation.

    Valerie Suessmith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Valerie Suessmith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Henry County Schools, directs the recruitment, retention, and professional development of the district's workforce. Suessmith oversees the talent management strategies that support 53 schools, ensuring that high-quality educators remain at the center of the student experience. By managing compensation structures and staff benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a supportive environment that attracts top-tier talent to the region. Valerie Suessmith collaborates with the executive team to align staffing levels with the district's commitment to STEM education and student-centered learning. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations while maintaining a focus on organizational culture and employee engagement. Through the implementation of comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members possess the skills required to meet the needs of 44,000 students. Ultimately, Suessmith secures the human capital necessary to drive the district's mission forward.
    Valerie Suessmith

    Barry Miles - Executive Director

    Barry Miles, the Executive Director at Henry County Schools, oversees the operational execution of district-wide initiatives across 53 schools. Miles directs the implementation of strategic policies that support the district's goal of providing world-class education to 44,000 students. By coordinating between various departments, the Executive Director ensures that STEM-focused programs receive the necessary support for successful classroom integration. Barry Miles monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the district maintains its status as a leader in Georgia education. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the board and school-level administrators to maintain alignment with the district's core mission. Through the management of daily operations and long-term planning, the Executive Director drives efficiency and accountability across all levels of the organization. Ultimately, Miles ensures that the district's resources translate into tangible academic outcomes for every student within the 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, Executive Director.