Andalusia native Jamie Blair was named Alabama’s Superintendent of the Year this week. Blair is the superintendent of the Vestavia Hills School System .

The honor by the School Superintendents of Alabama and business sponsor Classworks was announced Thursday.

Since Blair’s hiring in March 2000, Vestavia’s high school has ranked among the nation’s best, according to U.S. News and World Report.

At present, the Vestavia School System is in its third year of a five-year strategic plan that Blair worked with a cross section of the community and a large number of school staff to develop.

Prior to taking the helm in Vestavia, Blair was superintendent for Cullman City Schools, was assistant superintendent in Muscle Shoals City Schools, and was a principal and teacher in the Opelika City School System.

He holds a doctorate of education administration from the University of Alabama, a master of education from Auburn University and a bachelor of science from Troy University.

Blair was chosen from eight finalists. He will represent Alabama at the American Association of School Administrators National Conference on Education in February.