Dr. Christina Kishimoto is the former superintendent of the Hawaii State Department of Education. Prior to her work in Hawaii, she was superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) in Arizona, a district of 39,000 students. Under her leadership, GPS was recognized as one of the top 10 districts in the state and was voted best place to work.

Kishimoto is a data-driven educational leader who believes in student and parent voice and site-based empowerment for principals and teachers. She is a passionate advocate for public school systems, student-centered educational policies, and strategic planning aligned to standards-based goals.

Kishimoto earned a master’s in public affairs from the University of Connecticut and a doctorate from Columbia University.