This qualitative study explores the lessons learned by suburban superintendents as they led through the crisis of the COVID-19 global pandemic. As our world experienced the most disruptive and unprecedented event in our generation within the context of racial tensions and a volatile, divisive presidential campaign and election, superintendents were faced with leading school districts and communities through some tremendously difficult moments. The lessons learned during this time are unpacked through five vignettes that were constructed from data gathered through interviews, and connections are drawn between those lessons and the construct of authentic leadership in order to deepen our understanding of the role of authentic leadership in leading through crisis. Five common themes emerged: know and grow your core beliefs, live well to lead well, lead with transparency and vulnerability, slow down decision making in order to consider diverse perspectives, and lean into the support of a trusted team and strong network. Each vignette expands the roles themes played as superintendents grew in their authentic leadership while leading through the pandemic. Recommendations that came out of this study center on the environmental conditions and relationships needed for a leader to lead authentically, the practices of preparation that allow leaders to proactively grow and develop the core dimensions of authentic leadership, and the health/wellness support we are providing for superintendents, their teams, and their families. The participating superintendents found that authentic leadership was not simply a style, but it became a necessity as they led through the pandemic. The overarching lesson learned was that the core dimensions of authentic leadership became the very essence of their leadership that was needed in order to lead communities through the pandemic and beyond. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]