Dr. Kristi Wilson is a nationally recognized education leader, consultant, and author with over two decades of experience transforming school systems through strategic leadership and innovation. She served as Superintendent of the Buckeye Elementary School District in Arizona for over 10 years, where she led a fast-growing, diverse district of more than 6,000 students. Under her leadership, school performance, enrollment, and teacher retention significantly increased, while innovative programs and nationally recognized schools were established.
Today, Dr. Wilson consults with school systems, government agencies, and education organizations across the country. Her work centers on executive coaching, systems design, and equity-centered leadership. She is a frequent keynote speaker at national conferences and facilitates strategic planning and leadership development with a focus on future-ready education.
Dr. Wilson is the coauthor of the 2025 book, On Fire, Under Fire or Fired: Superintendents in the Pandemic, a bold and reflective exploration of leadership during one of the most challenging eras in public education.
Dr. Wilson is the past president of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the National Minority Student Achievement Network. Her recognitions include AASA National Superintendent of the Year in 2020. Arizona Superintendent of the Year (2021), the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona PTA, and in 2023 as COSN’s, The Consortium for School Network Impact 30 for her contributions to ed tech and for making a difference with vision towards the future.
When she’s not writing, consulting, or speaking, Dr. Wilson enjoys golfing with her husband Doug, also a retired superintendent, and spending time with their two Bernedoodles, Cooper and Wally.