William (Bill) Hite was recently named President of the Bezos Family Foundation. He previously served as President and CEO of KnowledgeWorks, an education nonprofit focused on helping states and schools align policy and practice and advance personalized, competency-based learning to prepare students for lifelong learning. He also served as Superintendent in Residence at the Broad Center at the Yale School of Management, where he supports the development of transformational leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Previously, Bill was Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest public school system. During his decade in the role, the district emerged from 17 years of state control, improved academic, financial, and graduation outcomes, and raised its credit rating from junk-bond status for the first time in 50 years, saving millions in interest. Under his leadership, the district opened innovative high schools, expanded successful school models, launched in-district turnarounds, and redesigned schools with community partners. He was named the 2020 Superintendent of the Year by the National School Foundation Association and received WHYY’s 2019 Lifelong Learner Award.
Bill has served at every level of education, including teacher, principal, central office administrator, and superintendent. He also led Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, where he focused on expanding access and rigor to improve college and career readiness. During his tenure, the district earned national recognition for increasing access to Advanced Placement courses. He also served as Assistant Superintendent in Georgia’s Cobb County School District and as an administrator in Henrico County, Virginia.
