Mary Alice Heuschel
Mary Alice Heuschel
Founder, Chief Executive Officer | A+ Empowerment
Mary Alice Heuschel has spent more than two decades wielding expertise in executive leadership, team building, mentoring, and strategic planning—all of which she utilizes in her current role as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of A+ Empowerment. The organization, which she started in 2023, provides leadership support to superintendents, school boards, and district leadership teams in a general effort to bolster educational systems and make a significant difference in students’ lives, guaranteeing the utmost success throughout seven districts. Among her countless duties, she facilitates retreats and leadership development and works with policy reviews and develops protocols for processes to ensure the best learning opportunities across the districts.
Prior to this position, Dr. Heuschel was active as the Deputy Director of Human Resources and K-12 Education, Strategy, Planning and Management for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation from 2014 to 2022. She previously served as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor for the state of Washington and made her mark in education, first as the Deputy State Superintendent with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in the state of Washington and as the superintendent at Renton School District. In addition to her primary endeavors, she lends her philanthropic voice and education expertise as a board member at InvestED and launched the Renton Schools Foundation, which serves to enhance educational opportunities for students at Renton School District in Washington.
Additionally, Dr. Heuschel has authored several pieces for education-based publications, including “The Impact of Ethical Leadership for WSASCD Curriculum in Context, “The Renton Journey … Doing it Right, Together!” for School Information and Research Service, and “The High-Flying Power of a Team” for School Administrator. As a testament to her dedication over the course of her career, she has been recognized with several accolades, including a “Service Above Self, Renton Dedicated Service Award” by Rotary International, a PTA Outstanding Advocate Honorary Life Member Award by the Washington State Parent Teacher Association, Washington State Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators and Washington State Superintendent Association. Most recently, she was a national finalist for the Women in Leadership Award presented by the American Association of School Administrators.
Looking toward the future, Dr. Heuschel wants to empower the next generation of leaders and contribute her learning and experience to strengthen the impact on student success.
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Dr. Mary Alice O. Heuschel for Expertise in Education Leadership
Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel recognized for over two decades in executive and leadership development focused on schools and districts
LIBERTY LAKE, WA, May 31, 2024, Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Dr. Heuschel has established herself as a leader in the field of education. Currently serving as the founder and chief executive officer of A+ Empowerment, she brings her extensive experience to support educational leaders across various school districts. Dr. Heuschel’s work involves coaching and mentoring superintendents, school boards, and cabinet-level leaders, facilitating leadership development retreats, informing policies, and developing protocols to enhance educational processes. After only a year of existence, A+ Empowerment now serves seven districts, demonstrating Dr. Heuschel’s commitment to improving educational outcomes.
Before founding A+ Empowerment, Dr. Heuschel contributed significantly to the U.S. K-12 education sector as the deputy director for strategy, planning, and management at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her role involved overseeing strategies that supported educational initiatives nationwide. Prior to this, Dr. Heuschel served as the chief of staff in the Office of the Governor for the State of Washington, where she played a pivotal role in state governance, measurement and accountability and policy implementation across state agencies. q Prior to that, she held the position of superintendent of the Renton School District, leading significant improvements in student achievement and operational efficiency. Dr. Heuschel’s career in educational leadership began at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Washington, where she was deputy state superintendent.
Dr. Heuschel’s expertise in executive leadership, leadership development, and policy practice is recognized widely within her profession. She is an active member of industry-related organizations such as InvestEd and the Spokane Koi Club, completing the distinguished Certified Koi Keeper program through K.O.I. Organization International, which reflects her diverse interests and commitment to both her professional field and personal passions.
Looking at her academic foundation reveals that Dr. Heuschel’s success is built on a solid educational background. She received a Bachelor of Science in pre-K-12 education from Boston University in 1983, followed by completing a Master of Science in special education and teaching at Northwestern University in 1986. In 2004, Dr. Heuschel earned her Doctor of Education in education leadership and administration from Seattle Pacific University. Her certifications include school superintendent certification from Seattle Pacific University, and special programs administration and principal certification from Central Washington University. These credentials have been instrumental in shaping her approach to leadership and collaboration.
Dr. Heuschel’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles into civic engagement and thought leadership within education. She has served on many boards and is the founder of the Renton Schools Foundation. Additionally, Dr. Heuschel supports numerous organizations including St. Jude’s Hospital, Renton and other school district foundations, Honor Flight, Bailey’s Team for Autism, and California Cadet Academy. Her insights into effective educational leadership have been shared through articles in publications such as School Administrator and School Information and Research Service. Dr. Heuschel’s dedication has been recognized with numerous awards including Washington State Superintendent of the Year and National Finalist, the Women in Leadership Award from the American Association of School Administrators, and the Service Above Self Award from Rotary of Renton. .
Looking ahead, she aims to empower future leaders by sharing her knowledge and experiences to enhance their impact on student success. This goal underscores Dr. Heuschel’s lifelong commitment to education and her belief in the power of collective effort to make a difference.