Gist is a career educator and lifelong learner who is deeply committed to leading transformational change and developing leaders working to improve our world. Gist is a career educator and lifelong learner who is deeply committed to leading transformational change and developing leaders working to improve our world. Gist is nationally recognized for her leadership of innovative programs and initiatives designed to serve every learner with a focus on children and communities historically farthest from opportunity. She has served as a public-sector systems leader at the local, state, and federal level. Gist is nationally recognized for her leadership of innovative programs and initiatives designed to serve every learner with a focus on children and communities historically farthest from opportunity. She has served as a public-sector systems leader at the local, state, and federal level. Deborah started her career in 1988 as a teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1996, as an administrator, she designed and implemented a literacy program in the Hillsborough County School District in Florida. Deborah started her career in 1988 as a teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1996, as an administrator, she designed and implemented a literacy program in the Hillsborough County School District in Florida. Aug 22, 2023 · TULSA, Okla. — Deborah Gist is a long-time educator with an extensive resume including Commissioner of Education in Rhode Island, she served as a senior policy analyst for the United States... Aug 22, 2023 · TULSA, Okla. — Deborah Gist is a long-time educator with an extensive resume including Commissioner of Education in Rhode Island, she served as a senior policy analyst for the United States... Prior to returning home to lead Tulsa Public Schools, Deborah served as commissioner of education for the State of Rhode Island where student achievement reached historical highs, and graduation rates increased significantly.
