ACTE Announces Alabama Director of Career and Technical Education as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Chris Kennedy, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Houston County Schools, Dothan, AL as the 2026 ACTE Region II Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative career and technical education (CTE) professionals at the school, district, county, state or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective career and technical education programs.
Chris Kennedy, Ed.D., is a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) leader with more than 20 years of experience as an Agricultural Education Teacher, Alabama State Department of Education Specialist and Administrator, and, for the past five years, a local CTE Administrator. A passionate advocate for CTE, he has motivated students to reach their fullest potential through innovative programming, strong industry partnerships, and steadfast support of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). His leadership has positively impacted students, educators, and communities across Alabama.
Dr. Kennedy has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing CTE and expanding opportunities for students through strategic planning, organizational restructuring, and active community involvement. He revitalized the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education (ALACTE), helping to develop a corrective action plan, comprehensive plan of work, and a clear mission and vision—initiatives that strengthened the organization and aligned it with industry standards and best practices.
As President of the Association of Career and Technical Administrators, he has advanced CTE through advocacy, policy engagement, and professional development, including planning the association’s annual spring conference. He also serves on the Board of Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), contributing to sustainable community development and demonstrating his commitment to connecting CTE with broader economic growth.
His service has been recognized with the Alabama Farm City Service Award, honoring his efforts to promote agricultural education and connect CTE with the agricultural industry. Under his leadership, the Houston County Career Academy was selected as an Enhanced Simulated Workplace Site, immersing students in professional environments that build real-world skills and raise awareness of CTE in the community.
Through his visionary leadership and dedication, Dr. Kennedy has strengthened CTE across Alabama, creating meaningful opportunities for students and leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, advocacy, and excellence.
Kennedy is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
