CAK names Carroll as chief operating officer
Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) announces the appointment of Clay Carroll, PhD, MBA, as chief operating officer effective May 4.
Carroll joins CAK from University of Tennessee’s College of Communication and Information, where he serves as assistant dean for finance, administration and operations. He oversaw the college’s $50 million operating budget and led finance, facilities, human resources and information technology functions.
In his role, Carroll built and led key operational departments, streamlined administrative processes and guided the college through its transition to a new budget model, according to a press release.
“He led all college facility projects and advised the dean on strategic and operational decisions,” it stated. “He brings a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to leadership with a focus on clarity, efficiency and long-term sustainability.”
Before serving as assistant dean, Carroll served as a senior financial analyst at UT, “where he helped design and implement the university’s Responsibility Center Management budget model and managed large scale financial forecasting,” the release stated. “He also brings experience in athletics administration and the private sector, where he developed strong skills in team leadership, operations management and process improvement.”
“Clay brings a unique combination of operational expertise and mission minded leadership,” CAK Head of School Rich Fulford said. “We look forward to the impact he will make as we continue to strengthen and grow CAK.”
Carroll also serves as a captain in the Tennessee Army National Guard, where he
has led teams at multiple echelons and developed strong leadership and organizational skills.
“I am honored to join the CAK family and look forward to supporting its mission of a Christ-centered education through excellence in administrative operations and
financial stewardship,” Carroll said.
He earned a PhD from UT, a Masters degree in business administration from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Auburn University.
Carroll and his wife, Dana, a native of Anderson County, live in the Concord area with their three children, Clayboy, 5; Clarie, 3; and Dalton, 1. The family attends Shoreline Church. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Carroll attended Alabama Christian Academy and said he values the opportunity to now invest in a Christ-centered school community.
As chief operating officer, Carroll will lead CAK’s operational areas, including finance, facilities, admissions, information technology and human resources.
