Hickory superintendent named 2026 NCSSA Sneeden award winner

This annual award is presented to a graduate of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association's Superintendent Executive Leadership Development Program, a program that is designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina's public schools. Dr. Griffin was selected by former Brad Sneeden Leadership Award recipients.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Brad Sneeden, who was serving as Carteret County Schools' superintendent at the time of his death in October 2008 at the age of 56. Among the innovative efforts he brought to this district was the establishment of the Marine Science Academy, later renamed as a memorial to him, which exposes students to hands-on marine science activities.

Previously, Dr. Sneeden served as the associate vice president for leadership development and director of the Principals' Executive Program, the deputy state superintendent for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and State Board of Education, an adjunct professor with the Department of Educational Leadership, and director of the Office of School Services at East Carolina University, and as the Craven County Schools' superintendent. Dr. Sneeden led with innovation and vision in preparing administrators for visionary leadership while never wavering from ethics of the highest order.

"Receiving the Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award is both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility we have as educational leaders to create opportunities that empower every student and educator to thrive," stated Dr. Griffin. "This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our Board of Education, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community partners who work together each day to move Hickory City Schools forward. I am grateful to be part of a district that embraces innovation, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to excellence."

"The Hickory City Schools Board of Education proudly congratulates Dr. Griffin on this outstanding and well-deserved recognition," said Amanda McGuire, chair of the Hickory City Schools Board of Education. "Dr. Griffin leads with vision, integrity, and a relentless focus on student success. Her ability to inspire collaboration, champion professional growth, and transform strategic goals into meaningful results has strengthened our district and positioned Hickory City Schools as a leader in public education. We are proud to celebrate this achievement and the positive impact of her leadership."

Award criteria

• Demonstrates vision and the ability to translate vision into specific goals. The recipient should be a person whose leadership has resulted in his or her district developing and/or implementing innovative programs and projects to benefit students.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning, focusing on the continuous improvement of his or her leadership skills.
• Demonstrates evidence of setting and achieving high standards of ethical conduct within his or her organization.

"Dr. Jennifer Griffin has served as superintendent of the Hickory City Schools for 3 years. She participates in the NCSSA Superintendent Executive Leadership Program. She has provided high quality leadership development for her administrators by obtaining grants from Franklin Covey Education. She has also joined the High County STEM Network where administrators and teachers are receiving high quality professional development. She exemplifies the traits that guided Dr. Brad Sneeden's career in educational leadership. She has demonstrated a vision for Hickory City Schools as an educational innovator and a strong commitment to continuous improvement and the highest standards of ethical conduct. She is a very deserving recipient of this award," stated Jack Hoke, NCSSA executive director.