Dr. Patricia Garcia

DIRECTOR AFFILIATE AT- LARGE

Superintendent, Geneva City School District
Geneva, NY
Term expires 10/23

Dr. Patricia Garcia is an accomplished educator, who has served for more than 15 years as Superintendent of Schools in Virginia, New York, and Connecticut. Most recently, she was Superintendent of Geneva City School District, New York, before retiring in 2022. During her professional career, Dr. Garcia has served in a wide range of roles in the United States as well as overseas. Starting as a middle school teacher in her native country, Panama, she has gone on to gain experience at all levels of the educational system, including classroom teacher, English as a Second Language teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, regional superintendent, and college professor. Currently, Dr. Garcia is an adjunct instructor in the University of Connecticut Executive Leadership Superintendent Program.

Dr. Garcia has accumulated a proven track record of academic excellence and a passion for equity and social justice through effective leadership, positive organizational change, and building high-performing teams.  Throughout her career, she has made a vast impact in education by advocating for equity through initiatives such as expanding college learning opportunities, instituting algebra in the middle grades, establishing Ninth Grade Academies at the high school level, and developing dual-language programs at the elementary level. While serving as superintendent of schools in Connecticut, in partnership with Electric Boat and Quinebaug Community College, she initiated one of the first Early College Opportunity Programs for high school students, which has served as a model for other programs in the state.

Dr. Garcia earned a Ph.D. from Florida State University and is a fellow of the prestigious Broad Urban Superintendent Academy. She earned an Ed.D. at the University of Sarasota, an M.A. from the University of South Florida, and a B.A. from the University of Panama. In addition, she pursued graduate studies at the University of Virginia and George Mason University.

Dr. Garcia has been acknowledged and recognized as a visionary and courageous leader and has received many notable awards in recognition of her commitment and dedication to students and community, including the George A. Coleman Excellence in Equity Award, the NAACP 100 Most Influential Black Leaders in Connecticut, Raices Latinoamericanas Excellence in Education, and Circulo de la Hispanidad Community Service Award.