As superintendent, Dr. Theresa Williams serves as the chief executive officer of a district with 6,500 employees serving 47,000 students across 74 schools and programs. Dr. Williams was unanimously appointed by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees as superintendent of schools in March 2022. She previously served as Plano ISD’s deputy superintendent and chief operating officer for four years. During her tenure as deputy superintendent, she led all aspects of the organization’s daily operations, including operationalizing the district’s strategic plan.
She began her educational leadership journey in Garland ISD where she taught high school Spanish, then rose through the ranks, holding various campus and district leadership positions, including director of student services and director of special programs. She went on to serve in a cabinet level position as executive director of educational operations. Additionally, Dr. Williams served four years as Lubbock ISD’s deputy superintendent, where among her accomplishments were leading the design of that district’s strategic plan, expansion of Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement and Dual Credit, implementation of the district’s early college model and districtwide digital learning.
Dr. Williams is a distinguished educational leader whose accomplishments have been widely recognized through numerous awards, nominations and accolades. She was recently featured in the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) “Inspiring Leader Spotlight.” She was honored as a nominee for the 2024 AASA Women in School Leadership Award, recognizing the exceptional leadership of active, front-line leaders making a difference in students’ lives every day. Additionally, in October 2023, Dr. Williams received the Outstanding Women of Today Award from the Altrusa International of Richardson Foundation. She was also nominated for the North Texas Commission’s Outstanding Leadership Award in September 2023. In December 2022, she was recognized as one of the Plano Chamber of Commerce’s 50 Leading Women, highlighting her impact on the community.
In 2025, Dr. Williams was honored with the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and perseverance in guiding Plano ISD through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. This award highlights her commitment to leading the district with grace and tenacity, maintaining a focus on student success even in the most challenging times. Dr. Williams was awarded the prestigious ATHENA Award in 2024 by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. This award honors accomplished professional women who excel in their field, contribute to their community, and empower other women to succeed. Dr. Williams was recognized for her outstanding educational leadership and her commitment to mentoring future leaders within Plano ISD and beyond.
A 2020 graduate of Leadership Plano, Dr. Williams is committed to enhancing her leadership and expertise in the field of education. She is currently participating in the esteemed Chiefs for Change leadership program and is a 2023 graduate of the Holdsworth Center's Superintendent Leadership Program.
Dr. Williams earned a bachelor of arts degree from Texas Tech University in 1994. She went on to earn a master of science degree, educational administration and supervision, and a doctor of education, from Texas A&M University – Commerce. Dr. Williams and her husband Todd are the proud parents of two grown sons.
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