Christine Hurley
Christine H. is a seasoned leader in strategy, innovation, and systems improvement, with deep expertise in project and program management, change leadership, and sustainable practices. Currently serving as an Operations Manager at the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, she leads strategic initiatives that align division-level priorities with broader organizational goals. Christine manages a multi-million dollar program portfolio, champions change management during structural shifts, and plays a key role in equity and inclusion efforts across the division, Student Engagement and Special Programs. With an MBA in Innovation, Enterprise, and the Circular Economy from the University of Bradford, she brings a forward-thinking, systems-oriented perspective to her work. Christine thrives in mission-driven organizations that value strategic alignment and long-term impact over short-term gain. She is known for her ability to transform complexity into clarity, organize chaos, and build cross-functional alignment to drive measurable outcomes. Her passion for quality and continuous improvement is grounded in personal experience — after navigating her daughter’s life-threatening illness, she witnessed firsthand how quality systems can save lives. This fuels her unwavering commitment to excellence and her belief in the power of human-centered systems design. Described by colleagues as a “unicorn” for her rare blend of strategic insight, operational acumen, and authentic leadership, Christine is driven by a desire to make meaningful contributions to the lives of others. Her work is underpinned by a deep respect for people, a love of learning, and a strong ethical foundation. Whether leading state-wide initiatives, facilitating cross-agency collaboration, or mentoring emerging leaders, she consistently delivers results with integrity, empathy, and innovation.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Professional
• Project Management Professional
• University of Bradford
• The Evergreen State College
• George Washington University
• Project Management Institute
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of determination, hard work, and the support of key mentors who saw potential in me long before I fully saw it in myself. One mentor in particular, Dwight, played a pivotal role in my journey. He not only opened the door for me to enter the field of project management, but he also acted as a father figure—guiding, challenging, and championing me at every stage of my career. His belief in me helped shape the confidence and resilience I bring to every opportunity.
What I’ve learned is that growth often requires stepping into the difficult and uncomfortable—doing the hard things even when they seem overwhelming. That mindset, paired with the right people in your corner, makes all the difference. No matter how challenging the path may feel, do it anyway. That’s where the breakthroughs happen.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to women entering this industry is to complement your education with certifications that build practical, transferable skills. Credentials like the PMP can open doors early in your career—sometimes even more effectively than an advanced degree. Project management is incredibly versatile and translates across sectors, whether you’re working within Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or hybrid environments. For me, earning my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt was a true turning point, and I’m now exploring Agile certification to broaden my toolkit even further.
Just as important is learning how to adapt these frameworks to the unique culture and needs of each organization. Effective project management isn’t one-size-fits-all—your ability to tailor the tools to the situation is what will set you apart.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me—both in my work and personal life—are impact, integrity, and compassion. I’m deeply passionate about education, the environment, and advancing causes that create lasting change. Cancer research holds a special place in my heart as my daughter’s life was saved because of funded childhood cancer research and remain a strong advocate for blood donation and continued medical advancement. In everything I do, I strive to make a meaningful difference and support work that leaves the world better than we found it.