Deborah Gist

Dr. Deborah A. Gist is a purpose-driven leader, lifelong learner, and passionate advocate for transformational change. With more than 35 years of experience across education, policy, and executive leadership, she now serves as a strategic advisor, executive coach, and consultant to organizations and companies across the country and around the world. A dynamic and nationally recognized speaker, she is known for helping individuals and institutions lead boldly, navigate complexity, and deliver real results. Dr. Gist has held top leadership roles including senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Education; Commissioner of Education in Rhode Island; State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia; Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, and Senior Advisor to the President at The University of Tulsa. A recognized changemaker, she led improvements in student achievement, financial management, education standards, and early childhood learning. She has spearheaded efforts to reimagine high school, promote family literacy, create public microschools, expand dual-language programs, launch public Montessori schools, and implement place-based curricula rooted in local history and culture. In her current work, Dr. Gist partners with leaders in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate sectors to cultivate courageous leadership, reimagine systems, and build more innovative, effective, and people-centered organizations.