SPEAKERS

Addison Davis, Superintendent of Schools for Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS),
June 13, 2022
Addison Davis serves as Superintendent of Schools for Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), the nation’s
seventh largest school system, where he took office in March 2020. He is recognized for his ability to inclusively
decision make, establish goal-based management systems, transform instructional practice, and ensure that students’
best interests are at the heart of all decision-making.
Addison Davis' experience in transforming schools has resulted in increased student achievement in large urban and
mid-size suburban Florida school districts. Before arriving in Hillsborough County, he served as the Superintendent of
Schools for Clay County. Under his leadership, the Clay County School District had dramatic improvements across all
student academic performance metrics. During this time, Clay’s statewide academic ranking improved from 20 th in the
state to 7 th along with increasing the graduation rate from 84% to 93% over a four-year span; eliminating the
achievement gap.
During his tenure in HCPS, Addison and his team have led the school district through a pandemic, improved the
district’s financial health, eliminated underperforming schools, improved academic outcomes, increased graduation
rates, expanded mental health resources, aligned tiered curriculum, transformed the division of diversity, equity, and
inclusion, and launched a new strategic plan focused on students first.
As a visionary leader, Mr. Davis has committed to expanding innovative school-based initiatives through redesigning
workforce development, concentrating on early childhood development, and further eliminating underperforming
schools through the lens of equity.
In April of 2022, Addison Davis was a recipient of the Allen Temple A.M.E. Church Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. Commemoration Award for his outstanding dedication, hard work, and countless contributions to the Tampa Bay
area. In May 2021, Addison Davis was a recipient of the Whitney M. Young Service Award for his community
engagement and tireless work during the pandemic. In October 2020, he was a finalist for the Green Garner Urban
Superintendent of the Year Award. In 2019, Addison Davis was named the Sunshine State Public Relations
Association's 2019 Superintendent Communicator of the Year. Within his first year in Clay County, he was named a
2017-2018 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association. This award recognizes
superintendents for their dynamic, fast-paced leadership and strong communication skills.
Prior to his responsibilities as Superintendent of Schools in Clay County, he was the Chief of Schools for the Duval
County Public School System which is the nation’s 20th largest school district serving over 120,000 students. He
worked for Duval County Schools for eighteen years, starting as a teacher, moving to an Assistant Principal, Principal,
Executive Director of Turnaround, Middle School Cluster Chief, and Region Superintendent.
Mr. Davis is a member of the Children’s Board, American Heart Association Board, Junior Achievement Board,
Starting Right Now Board, Tampa Bay Chamber Ex Officio Board, Stratz Center Board, and Trustee for Florida Palms.
Addison Davis was born and raised in northeast Florida and has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from
Jacksonville University. He and his lovely wife Natalie have two daughters, Madisyn and Kaitlyn.