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Our Team

Cathy Jones, Ph.D.

CEO

Cathy brings over 20 years of educational experience to the organization. She served in Austin ISD as an elementary teacher, mentor, assistant principal, and human resources coordinator before becoming an assistant superintendent in Manor ISD. With a focus on school improvement, Cathy has extensive experience turning around underperforming schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Angelo State University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas State University, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from The University of Texas at Austin’s Cooperative Superintendency Program. Prior to join UP Partnership, she was the Executive Director of Austin Partners in Education for more than a decade. Dr. Jones has volunteered as a mentor and math classroom coach for middle school students for 20 years and has served community organizations in a variety of capacities, including Leadership Austin, Central Texas College Attainment Network, Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem). She has two grown children and enjoys spending time with them, being outdoors, and riding her road bike.