Heather J. Hough
Education Policy Expert | System Improvement Strategist
Dr. Heather J. Hough is an education policy expert with more than 20 years of experience working with leaders across California to strengthen public education systems and improve outcomes for students.
She currently works as an independent consultant, partnering with public agencies, education organizations, and philanthropic leaders to align strategy, build capacity, and translate policy into effective practice. Most recently, Dr. Hough served as Executive Director of Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) at Stanford University, where she led major statewide efforts to connect research, policy, and practice.
Dr. Hough’s expertise includes state and local policy design, system analysis, and facilitation of collaborative decision-making processes, with a focus on policy coherence, system improvement, and equitable implementation. Her work is centered on improving how the education system functions at every level—from schools to state government—so that it better supports students and educators and is prepared for a rapidly changing future.
Dr. Hough is also a parent of two daughters in public schools and an active community volunteer in Davis, California. She holds a BA in Public Policy and a PhD in Education Policy from Stanford University.
