Albemarle County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Haas, said that Ross Holden has joined the school division as its attorney. Previously, Holden was the Executive Vice President & General Counsel for the New York City School Construction Authority.
Prior to Holden’s appointment, the school division’s legal affairs were handled by the Albemarle County Attorney’s Office. Amanda Farley, who is a senior assistant county attorney, served as legal counsel to the School Board.
“We are deeply grateful for Amanda’s legal guidance and service, both to the school division and to our School Board during the past two years,” Dr. Haas said. “The appointment of Mr. Holden is a reflection of the broadening scope of responsibilities within a school division that continues to be in growth mode. It also will enable Ms. Farley to devote more of her time and expertise to the other county departments she supports as legal counsel,” Haas said.
As Executive Vice President & General Counsel for the New York City School Construction Authority, Holden directed and managed its legal, procurement, internal audit, real estate, and labor law departments. The Authority designs, constructs and rehabilitates public schools throughout New York City. Operating on a five-year capital budget of $17.5 billion, the Authority performs capital work in New York City’s 1,500 public school buildings.
The Authority’s Legal Department is responsible for providing legal counsel for all aspects of site acquisition, design, procurement, contract negotiation, construction process, and statutory and regulatory compliance. Twice during his tenure with the Authority, Holden was appointed by the Board of Trustees as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer.
Haas said the addition of a full-time legal counsel was one of his management priorities prior to becoming Superintendent on July 1. “Ross’s broad experience in education and the strategic leadership and insight he brought to his considerable executive responsibilities will be invaluable assets to us in meeting our strategic and operational goals. His collaborative style and ability to transform vision into action are a perfect fit for our school community,” Haas said.
Holden is an undergraduate of the University of Virginia, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was an Editor of the Law Journal.
