Leigh Hawkins serves as Director of Finance and Compliance at the Southern States Energy Board, where she leads the organization’s financial management, grants administration, compliance oversight, and core business operations in support of SSEB’s diverse portfolio of state, federal, and partner-supported initiatives. With nearly three decades of service to the organization, Mrs. Hawkins brings exceptional institutional knowledge, disciplined financial leadership, and a steadfast commitment to operational integrity.

Advancing through progressively senior roles in accounting, grants administration, and executive business operations, Leigh has helped build and strengthen the financial systems, administrative processes, and internal controls that support SSEB’s continued growth and long-term stability. Her leadership ensures sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, transparent reporting, and effective management of complex funding portfolios spanning multiple jurisdictions, partners, and strategic initiatives.

Her expertise includes financial planning, budgeting, grants management, accounting, compliance, human resources administration, and organizational operations. Known for developing dependable systems that reinforce accountability and improve efficiency, Leigh helps provide the organizational foundation that supports SSEB’s technical, policy, and program leadership.

Leigh holds dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting and Human Resource Management from Georgia Southwestern State University and has completed specialized federal grants management training. She is also an active member of the National Grants Management Association, where she maintains engagement with evolving federal regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices in grants administration and financial stewardship. She is studying to complete CGMS and SHRM certifications in 2026-2027. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering in women missions, bus ministry, food/clothing bank and at American Red Cross blood drives, as well as vacationing with her husband, Jason and their pet Jack Russell Terrier, Ace.