Heather J. Hough

Dr. Heather J. Hough is an education policy expert with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders across California strengthen public education systems and improve outcomes for students.

She is the founder of Hough Consulting, where she partners with public agencies, education organizations, and philanthropic leaders to develop strategy, strengthen organizations, and translate policy into effective implementation. Previously, she served as Executive Director of Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) at Stanford University, where she led major statewide efforts connecting research, policy, and practice.

Her expertise includes education governance, system improvement, organizational design, and facilitating collaborative decision-making to build more coherent, responsive, and effective public education systems. She works across schools, districts, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to help leaders navigate complex challenges and implement lasting change.

Most recently, Dr. Hough co-authored the PACE report that informed California's recent education governance reforms and is co-leading the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence's redesign of the Statewide System of Support, helping translate those reforms into practical strategies for improving how California's education system supports schools, districts, and students.

She holds a B.A. in Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Education Policy from Stanford University.