Leadership Greater Huntsville Names Dr. Edwin C. Nichols, Jr. as Chief Operating Officer
Media Contact:
Christie Finley, CEO
cfinley@leadershiphsv.org
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Leadership Greater Huntsville (LGH) has named Dr. Edwin C. Nichols, Jr. as its Chief Operating Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Nichols brings more than three decades of executive leadership to the role, most recently as Superintendent of Madison City Schools, one of Alabama’s fastest-growing and highest-performing school districts.
In this newly created position, Nichols will oversee LGH’s day-to-day operations, human resources systems, and organizational infrastructure, partnering closely with CEO Christie Finley to advance the organization’s long-term strategic priorities.
"Dr. Nichols joins us at a pivotal moment for Leadership Greater Huntsville,” said Christie Finley, Chief Executive Officer. “His proven ability to build high-performing organizations, combined with his deep ties to this region, positions us to expand our reach across North Alabama in ways we haven't been able to before. This investment in our own leadership is how we find them, ignite their potential, and inspire them to shape the future of our communities.”
Nichols holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from The University of Alabama and has led school systems in both Decatur and Madison, managing budgets exceeding $180 million and overseeing more than $100 million in construction projects. He is a graduate of LGH’s Flagship Class 35 and a Class XXIV graduate of Leadership Alabama.
His civic engagement spans the region: he has served on the boards of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Redstone Arsenal Community Advisory Board, Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Foundation, among others. He is also a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.
“I am excited and honored to join the Leadership Greater Huntsville team,” said Dr. Nichols. “As a graduate of a Leadership Greater Huntsville program and a Legacy member, I have experienced firsthand the tremendous value LGH brings to our community.”
“I look forward to working alongside CEO Christie Finley, the LGH Board of Directors, and the outstanding staff as we continue to inspire, unite, and develop leaders who make a positive impact throughout our region.”
Nichols steps into the role on July 1, 2026, as LGH continues to grow its programming and community impact across the Tennessee Valley.
###
About Leadership Greater Huntsville
Leadership Greater Huntsville is a 501c (3) nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire and ignite empowered leaders through education, collaboration, and stewardship. Through various experiential opportunities, LGH connects emerging and experienced leaders across sectors to advance civic engagement and regional progress. Learn more about LGH at leadershiphsv.org.