Maria Vazquez is superintendent of Orange County Public Schools in Florida, the nation’s ninth-largest district with more than 206,000 students across 202 schools. Prior to leading the district, Dr. Vazquez was OCPS deputy superintendent. In that capacity, she oversaw all academic, administrative, and operational functions related to teaching and learning for the A-rated school system.

In addition, Dr. Vazquez played a critical role in developing practices that boosted the graduation rate to an all-time high; narrowed achievement gaps for students of color; increased the percentage of high-performing schools; expanded access to Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses; and strengthened supports for teachers. Her tenure in Orange County also includes positions as chief academic officer; area superintendent; senior director for exceptional student education and multilingual services; executive area director of the West and Southwest Learning Communities; principal; assistant principal; and teacher.

Dr. Vazquez holds a doctorate and a master’s from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor’s from the University of South Florida. She is an alumnus of the fifth cohort of the Future Chiefs leadership development program.