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 a Project 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 $45M+ program portfolio, champions change management during structural shifts, and plays a key role in equity and inclusion efforts across the agency. 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
• University of Bradford
• The Evergreen State College
• Project Management Institute
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support and guidance of key mentors, along with determination, hard work, and persistence. Dwight was instrumental in helping me enter the field of project management and became a true father figure in my professional journey. More recently, Dixie—now Assistant Superintendent—played a pivotal role during my interview process and helped facilitate my transition into a division where my strengths are better utilized. Their belief in me, combined with my drive to keep learning and growing, has made all the difference.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to invest in certifications that provide practical, transferable skills—particularly the PMP. In many cases, it can open more doors than a master’s degree, especially early in your career. Project management is incredibly versatile and applies across industries, whether you're working with Lean, Lean Six Sigma, or Agile methodologies. Personally, earning my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt was a game-changer, and I'm now exploring Agile certification to further expand my toolkit. Just as important is learning to adapt these tools to the unique needs of each organization—effective project management isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your ability to tailor your approach is what sets 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; my daughter’s life was saved because of research funded by organizations like the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, and I 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.