Terri Hanson, Chief Data Officer
Professional Overview
Terri Hanson is a seasoned data and technology executive with over a decade of experience driving strategic data initiatives in the public sector. As the Chief Data Officer at the Texas Education Agency, she is responsible for overseeing the agency's data management strategy, leveraging data-driven insights to inform policy decisions, and fostering a culture of data-informed decision making.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Data Officer at the Texas Education Agency since 2012, Terri has been instrumental in transforming the agency's data infrastructure and governance practices. In this role, she leads a team of data analysts, engineers, and scientists to enhance data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities across the state's K-12 education system.
Under Terri's leadership, the agency has achieved significant improvements in data quality, accessibility, and utilization. She has spearheaded the implementation of advanced data analytics platforms, enabling educators and policymakers to access real-time insights and make more informed decisions. Terri's data-driven approach has been pivotal in driving evidence-based policy initiatives, leading to improved educational outcomes for students across Texas.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Terri held various data and analytics positions within the Texas state government, including Senior Data Analyst at the Department of Health and Human Services and Data Manager at the Department of Transportation. Through these roles, she gained extensive experience in leveraging data to optimize government operations, enhance service delivery, and support strategic decision-making.
Terri's career trajectory has been marked by a steadfast commitment to data-driven innovation and public service. Her ability to translate complex data into actionable insights has made her a trusted advisor to state leaders and a respected voice in the education technology community.
Academic Background
Terri holds a Master's degree in Data Science from the University of Texas at Austin, where she specialized in machine learning and predictive modeling. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Statistics from Texas A&M University, graduating with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Data governance and strategy development
- Advanced data analytics and visualization
- Education technology and data-driven policymaking
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Organizational change management and digital transformation
Professional Impact
Under Terri's leadership, the Texas Education Agency has become a national model for data-driven decision making in the public sector. Her work has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the Excellence in Data Management Award from the National Association of State CIOs.
Terri is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has published several articles in leading education technology journals, sharing her insights on leveraging data to improve educational outcomes. Her commitment to fostering a culture of data literacy and innovation has inspired her team and influenced data practices across the state's public sector.
Conclusion
Terri Hanson's extensive experience and expertise in data management and analytics have made her a valuable asset to the Texas Education Agency. As the Chief Data Officer, she continues to drive transformative change, empowering educators and policymakers with data-driven insights to enhance the quality of education for all students in the state.
