C.J. Huff

C.J. Huff

Keynote Speaker: Superintendent, Joplin, Missouri Public Schools, 2013 Missouri Superintendent of the Year and Finalist, 2013 National Superintendent of the Year

C.J. Huff Biography

Dr. C.J. Huff currently serves as the superintendent of Joplin Schools, a position he has held since July 2008. He is the proud father of three children and has been married to his best friend, Jennifer, for 15 years.

A native of McCune, Kansas, Huff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Pittsburg State University, his Master and Specialist in education from Missouri State University. Most recently he earned his Doctorate in education with a focus in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2003.

His wide range of experiences as a classroom teacher, building principal, superintendent and a family farmer prepared him to lead his district of 1,100 employees and 7,700 students through the recovery effort that has followed the devastating Sunday, May 22, 2011 tornado that ripped through the heart of Joplin. Graduation ceremonies for Joplins Class of 2011 had just concluded at Missouri Southern State University when the tornado struck around 5:41 p.m. destroying or damaging 10 of the 19 buildings in Huffs district including the high school and leaving over half of his students without a school to return to on Monday, May 23. The Joplin Schools family suffered loss more precious than the buildings though as they lost a staff member and seven students to the storm.

Huffs declaration that We will start school on time is credited with being a key factor that drew the community of Joplin together just days after the tornado and provided a positive light for the country to rally around in the midst of such tragedy and destruction. To find and create learning space for 4,200 kids54 percent of the districtin 12 weeks was a daunting task. Somebody told me it couldnt be done, said Huff, which is all it took to get me going. On August 17, 2011 Joplins 7,700 students started the new school year on time. On May 21, 2012just one day shy of the one year anniversary of the devastating tornadoPresident Barack Obama delivered the high school graduation commencement address.

Huff is well-respected by the community and his peers as a man of vision and a man that keeps his word. People magazine named him as one of their 2011 Heroes Among Us. Other recognitions include the 2013 Missouri Superintendent of the Year award, one of four finalists for the 2013 National Superintendent of the Year award, 2012 Missouri National Education Association Horace Mann Award, National School Public Relations Associations Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award, eSchool News 2012 Tech-Savvy Superintendent Award, Missouri Association of School Administrators 2012 Pearce Award, Missouri School Public Relations Association 2012 Administrator of the Year and the 2011 American School Board Journal Magna Award/Grand Prize Winner for Joplins Bright Futures initiative focusing on community engagement and drop-out prevention.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on C.J. Huff and other top speakers and celebrities.

C.J. Huff Speaking Topics

Education for the 21st Century: Keeping America Competitive

In a rapidly changing world filled with new problems and exciting possibilities, how can our education system prepare the leaders of tomorrow to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead? Superintendent of the Joplin, Missouri Schools, Dr. C.J. Huff sheds light on the emerging issues schools need to face in order to create informed global citizens. If America is to stay competitive, Huff believes a holistic approach to education must be realizedone that goes beyond workplace readiness. In his presentation, Huff discusses the key topic areas necessary for developing 21st century skills, including:

-Collaboration across Networks and Leading by Influence

-Information, Media and Technology Skills

-Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

-Initiative and Entrepreneurialism

-Effective Oral and Written Communication

-Accessing and Analyzing Information

-Communication, Creativity, Curiosity and Imagination

Leadership in Action: Build Better Teams by Creating Common Ground

Todays organizations face serious threats to their futurefrom tightened budgets, to motivating workforces, to dealing with unexpected crises. The ability to overcome these issues starts with strong leaders that cultivate a culture of cooperation long before the challenges arise. Joplin, Missouri School Superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff has become a respected leader through his demonstration of extraordinary focus, drive and commitment to making sure his community moved towards recoverydespite the horrific destruction caused by one of the strongest tornadoes in recorded history. By promoting partnership, embracing a collaborative culture and improving employee morale through communicationhe was able to build common ground before tragedy struckand to mobilize others to achieve what seemed insurmountable in the aftermath. In this moving presentation, Huff describes the importance of teamwork, service to others and leadership in the face of overwhelming circumstances, inspiring audiences to always prepare for unknown challenges that lie ahead.

C.J. Huff Videos

Joplin Superintendent Dr. CJ Huff Speaks to Teachers - YouTube
"Focused on the Future" Joplin School District Superintendent CJ Huff

How do I book C.J. Huff to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like C.J. Huff for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for C.J. Huff, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for C.J. Huff or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book C.J. Huff for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for C.J. Huff, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is Below $10,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire C.J. Huff, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does C.J. Huff speak about?

C.J. Huff is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Change Management, Peak Performance, Communication, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Creativity, Negotiation, Personal Growth, Finance, Data, Inspirational, Education, Motivational, Culture, Leadership and Technology.

Where does C.J. Huff travel from?

C.J. Huff generally travels from Missouri, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for C.J. Huff?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like C.J. Huff for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book C.J. Huff for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host C.J. Huff or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


C.J. Huff is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Innovation, Change Management and Peak Performance. The estimated speaking fee range to book C.J. Huff for live events is Below $10,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. C.J. Huff generally travels from Missouri, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Michael Gelb, Benjamin Zander and Erik Wahl. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling C.J. Huff for an upcoming event.

C.J. Huff Speaking Topics

  • Education for the 21st Century: Keeping America Competitive

    In a rapidly changing world filled with new problems and exciting possibilities, how can our education system prepare the leaders of tomorrow to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead? Superintendent of the Joplin, Missouri Schools, Dr. C.J. Huff sheds light on the emerging issues schools need to face in order to create informed global citizens. If America is to stay competitive, Huff believes a holistic approach to education must be realizedone that goes beyond workplace readiness. In his presentation, Huff discusses the key topic areas necessary for developing 21st century skills, including:

    -Collaboration across Networks and Leading by Influence

    -Information, Media and Technology Skills

    -Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    -Initiative and Entrepreneurialism

    -Effective Oral and Written Communication

    -Accessing and Analyzing Information

    -Communication, Creativity, Curiosity and Imagination

  • Leadership in Action: Build Better Teams by Creating Common Ground

    Todays organizations face serious threats to their futurefrom tightened budgets, to motivating workforces, to dealing with unexpected crises. The ability to overcome these issues starts with strong leaders that cultivate a culture of cooperation long before the challenges arise. Joplin, Missouri School Superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff has become a respected leader through his demonstration of extraordinary focus, drive and commitment to making sure his community moved towards recoverydespite the horrific destruction caused by one of the strongest tornadoes in recorded history. By promoting partnership, embracing a collaborative culture and improving employee morale through communicationhe was able to build common ground before tragedy struckand to mobilize others to achieve what seemed insurmountable in the aftermath. In this moving presentation, Huff describes the importance of teamwork, service to others and leadership in the face of overwhelming circumstances, inspiring audiences to always prepare for unknown challenges that lie ahead.

C.J. Huff Videos

Joplin Superintendent Dr. CJ Huff Speaks to Teachers - YouTube
"Focused on the Future" Joplin School District Superintendent CJ Huff

C.J. Huff News

  • Joplin superintendent a finalist for national honor

    Read the latest news stories for Springfield, Mo., and Southwest Missouri. ... Joplin Superintendent C.J. Huff is a finalist for national superintendent of the year . ... This program - around for 26 years - honors the leadership of public school ...

  • Joplin superintendent knows the pain of Oklahoma town ...

    Joplin Superintendent C.J. Huff / Claudette Riley/News-Leader ... Huff said the school district, which is still rebuilding, has already reached out to the Moore ... Huff said there are ways for southwest Missouri residents and businesses to help.

  • How do I book C.J. Huff to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like C.J. Huff for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for C.J. Huff, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for C.J. Huff or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book C.J. Huff for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for C.J. Huff, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is Below $10,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire C.J. Huff, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does C.J. Huff speak about?

    C.J. Huff is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Change Management, Peak Performance, Communication, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Creativity, Negotiation, Personal Growth, Finance, Data, Inspirational, Education, Motivational, Culture, Leadership and Technology.
  • Where does C.J. Huff travel from?

    C.J. Huff generally travels from Missouri, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for C.J. Huff?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like C.J. Huff for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book C.J. Huff for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host C.J. Huff or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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C.J. HUFF

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