Supt. Hofmeister announces two new hires; completes leadership team 

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 8, 2015) - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister today announced she had completed forming her leadership team with two additional hires, completing a group of Cabinet-level leaders for the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

Hofmeister tapped Weatherford Public Schools Superintendent Matt Holder to serve as chief operations officer and Heather Griswold, an Oklahoma City nonprofit director with considerable experience in the business community, to serve as deputy chief of staff.

“Heather and Matt are valuable additions to our leadership team. Matt is an innovative, transformational leader and his experience as a superintendent in small- to mid-sized districts has provided a deep understanding of how the state department can better meet challenges for schools and students,” said Hofmeister.

“Heather’s extensive knowledge of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award program speaks volumes; and her leadership working with the Oklahoma Business Roundtable as well as other community organizations will be valuable tools to strengthen OSDE’s relationships with stakeholders across the state.”

As chief operations officer, Holder will oversee all finance and federal programs at OSDE, including special education, purchasing and other divisions affecting the daily operation of school districts.

He has been Weatherford’s superintendent since 2012. Prior to that, he was superintendent of Springer Public Schools and worked in administration at Sulphur and Elmore City Public Schools. His education career began at Purcell Public Schools.

Holder said he is excited about the opportunity to help schools excel.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity to work with Superintendent Hofmeister and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.” he said. “I look forward to working with districts across the state to facilitate their efforts in creating educational excellence. I am eager to take on the challenges ahead in helping ensure Oklahoma schools are the best they can be."

Holder has a master’s degree in education administration from East Central University in Ada. He and his wife Kena have two children, ages 10 and 12.

Heather Griswold has been executive director of the Oklahoma Quality Foundation, which aims to highlight and support performance excellence in state businesses and improve the state’s overall business climate. In that role, she managed the Oklahoma Quality Awards, which is a partner program of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program.

As deputy chief of staff, Griswold will oversee all advisory groups at OSDE. She comes to the agency with more than 14 years of experience in nonprofit management, organizational development and fundraising.

Griswold is a graduate of Oklahoma City University, and is raising her kids with her husband Chris. She said she is eager to bring her experience from the business community to OSDE.

“I am absolutely delighted to be a part of Superintendent Hofmeister’s leadership team,” Griswold said. “I’m a mom of three young children, and my passion is to ensure all Oklahoma children have access to a first-class education and are college-ready or can easily enter our workforce or the military after high school. Engaging in a spirit of continuous improvement and establishing partnerships with business and community partners will help us to achieve this.”

Hofmeister said she is eager to welcome Griswold and Holder to her leadership team.

Other Cabinet members include Dr. Cindy Koss, deputy state superintendent of academic affairs and planning; Dr. Robyn Miller, deputy superintendent for educator effectiveness and policy, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Lance Nelson, chief of staff.

 Photos of Holder and Griswold available upon request.

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