AAEA: On a Role!

Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director

Learn more about AAEA Staff and the roles they serve!

Dr. Mike Hernandez came to AAEA in July of 2020 as the Executive Director-Elect. He says, "I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Richard Abernathy for six months before his retirement. On January 1, 2021, I became the Executive Director just in time for the 2021 Legislative Session." As Director, Dr. Hernandez oversees the implementation of the AAEA mission, which is to be a united alliance of diverse school leaders and an effective force for the highest quality public education for all children. "Our mission is to ensure high standards of leadership by providing quality professional development, influencing education legislation and policy, stimulating and fostering support and building successful coalitions," he states. "I help assist 13 different constituent groups and boards with their operations while serving as the executive for AAEA and ASA Educational Foundation. The main constituent groups I support more closely are ArkASPA, AASA, AASSP, and AAGEA. Lastly, I help support the AAEA Legislative Committee as they develop a philosophy and plan of action during a legislative session or other policy matter."

Dr. Hernandez previously served at the Arkansas Department of Education in various positions, including State Superintendent for the Office of Coordinated Support and Service and Deputy Commissioner. He also served as Assistant Commissioner over Fiscal Services and Superintendent of the Hot Springs and Danville School Districts. He began his administrative career as principal of the Western Yell County High School.

Dr. Hernandez says he enjoys all aspects of his job, stating, "Supporting people is my passion. I thoroughly enjoy receiving calls and questions about various situations and tracking down the answers. The school business is unique to every school and complicated. The answer always depends on the given set of facts. The legislative and policy aspects can be challenging at times, but we will win some and lose some. We always have to remember to stick together and support each other, no matter the size, resources, or zip code."

When not in the office, Dr. Hernandez enjoys spending time with his family. His wife Susan is a nurse practitioner for the Arkansas Heart Hospital. Their three daughtersSophie, Olivia, and Josie - play volleyball, basketball, and softball, and keep the family busy attending their sporting events. "Basically, I am an ATM, chauffeur, cheering section, and chief consoler when we lose. I used to have some hobbies back in my younger single days, but right now, it is family and work, with one exception: I LOVE the Dallas Cowboys. I would not trade it for one second."