Arizona School Boards Association names new executive director
The Arizona School Boards Association, the premier education association for Arizona’s nearly 250 public school districts, has named Sheila Harrison-Williams, Ed.D. as the new executive director to start on January 1, 2020.
Dr. Williams will succeed Dr. Timothy Ogle, who has served as executive director for the association since 2012.
Dr. Williams currently serves as an Interim Superintendent for the East Prairie Schools District 73 in Illinois. Her current role follows a long educational leadership career in Illinois, including two superintendencies, with progressive levels of responsibility and starting as a classroom instructor.
Dr. Williams brings association leadership experience serving as President of the Illinois Association of School Administrators, as well as numerous national and state governing boards. She has been a strong advocate for local school district board development, public school funding issues, and equity initiatives.
Steven Chapman, ASBA president and board member from the Tolleson Union High School District, said, “Dr. Williams brings executive leadership experience in education, education associations, public education issues advocacy, and working directly with local school boards. Throughout the search process, Dr. Williams demonstrated her career passion for public education, continuous improvement of student success and district excellence. The Board of Directors joins me in welcoming Dr. Williams to ASBA.”
“I’m excited to join ASBA and build upon its strong reputation as a resource for Arizona public education, key legislators, regulators, and partners,” said Dr. Williams. “After meeting with the Search Committee and Board of Directors, I am confident of their commitment to promoting excellence in locally-governed school districts and student success.”
ASBA began a national search to identify a new executive leader earlier this year, formed a search committee, and partnered with the association and non-profit search experts, Vetted Solutions.
The Arizona School Boards Association is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting elected local governance of public education and continuous improvement of student success by providing leadership and assistance to school district governing boards statewide. ASBA represents more than 1,000 school board members and more than 1 million Arizona children.
