Areas of Expertise: equity, innovation, quality
Nothing is more important than ensuring that our nation’s children have a strong education, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my career to work toward that mission.
With a focus on equity, innovation and quality, Dr. William R. Hite is the president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks, leading the organization towards making the mission and vision a reality.
He formerly served as Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, the largest public school system in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While in Philadelphia, Dr. Hite worked to create a system of great schools in every neighborhood. Under his leadership, the School District opened new innovative high schools, expanded successful school models, launched in-district turnarounds and redesigned schools in partnership with communities.
Dr. Hite’s professional experience includes serving at every level – teacher, principal, central office administrator and superintendent. He was previously superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland where his central work focused on enhanced access and rigor to ensure college- and career-readiness. Prince George’s County schools, one of the 25 largest systems in the United States, received national recognition for expanding access to Advanced Placement courses during his tenure.
Dr. Hite also served as an assistant superintendent in Georgia’s Cobb County School District. In addition, as an administrator in Henrico County, Virginia, he led Highland Springs High School to “Best Practices” honors from the state’s General Assembly.
Dr. Hite has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Richmond School of Continuous Learning and taught school leadership courses at Virginia State University, Bowie State University and the University of Maryland. A member of numerous national, state and local boards, he has participated with national agencies and associations to reform K-12 education.
Dr. Hite holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Virginia Tech, master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in education specializing in educational leadership from Virginia Tech. He is the inaugural superintendent in residence and executive fellow at The Broad Center at the Yale School of Management for the 2022-2023. His interests include music, travel, sports and reading. He and his wife Deirdre have two daughters and two grandchildren.
