Richland School District Two names new Senior Chief Operations Officer

Richland School District Two announced the appointment of Mark Huhtanen as the district’s new Senior Chief Operations Officer. Mr. Huhtanen brings nearly 30 years of distinguished leadership experience from the United States Army, where he most recently served as Deputy Commanding Officer of the Army Training Center and Fort Jackson.

Mr. Huhtanen has demonstrated his unwavering commitment and resilience through four combat deployments: two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, one tour during Operation New Dawn in Iraq, and a deployment to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014.

“I am excited to join the Richland District Two team as the Senior Chief Operations Officer.  After nearly 30 years of serving our country, my family and I are excited to make Richland County, South Carolina our home, and I am honored to continue service to the students, families, faculty, and staff of this great district,” Mr. Huhtanen said.  “I look forward to ensuring the Operations Division delivers services, facilities, technology and support safely to create an environment within the district where students and faculty feel connected, engaged, and supported.”

Mr. Huhtanen holds a Bachelor of Science from Montana State University, a Master of Arts in Leadership from Webster University, and a Master of Military Arts from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Sciences at Fort Leavenworth. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base.

Mr. Huhtanen has been married to his wife Shelly for 23 years, and they have two boys.  Their youngest has profound autism, which drives his pursuit to ensure everyone has access to a free and appropriate education.