Dr. Theresa Williams is superintendent of Plano Independent School District (ISD) in Texas, a system with approximately 52,000 students and 7,000 employees. Prior to becoming superintendent, Williams was the district’s deputy superintendent and chief operating officer (COO).

During her four-year tenure as COO, Williams oversaw day-to-day operations, provided leadership and guidance to the administrative cabinet, and worked to promote budgetary and staffing efficiencies. In addition, she played a critical role in Plano ISD’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Williams has spent nearly 30 years working in education and has extensive experience across all school system functions. Before joining Plano ISD, she held leadership roles in other Texas school districts, including deputy superintendent in Lubbock ISD and executive director of educational operations in Garland ISD, where she began her career and also served as a campus administrator and led special programs and student services.

Williams holds a doctorate of education and a master’s in educational administration and supervision from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She earned her bachelor’s from Texas Tech University.