Education Resource Strategies (ERS) is proud to announce that nationally recognized education leader and strategist Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez has joined its Board of Directors.

Dr. Torres-Rodriguez brings nearly three decades of experience leading community-centered, systems-level change in public education. Most recently, she served as Superintendent and CEO of Hartford Public Schools (HPS) from 2017-2025, where she led a bold, district-wide transformation.

“We are so proud and excited to have Dr. Torres-Rodriguez join our Board,” said Dr. Karen Hawley Miles, CEO and Chairman of ERS. “Her leadership inspires us and we have learned so much in partnering with her to take on the toughest challenges facing public school systems today. She models how to keep students and community at the center of everything.”

Dr. Torres-Rodriguez first partnered with ERS in 2018 during one of the most challenging periods in HPS history. Facing significant fiscal pressures, declining enrollment, and longstanding systemic inequities, she led the development and launch of the “District Model for Excellence”—a strategic, equity-centered plan rooted in data, community voice, and shared values. Under her leadership, the plan reimagined the structure of the district to expand opportunity, improve access, elevate student outcomes, and align resources with student needs.

“ERS understands that true systems change happens at the intersection of clarity, complexity, and community,” said Torres-Rodriguez. I’m honored to join the board of an organization that stood as a long-time partner as we reimagined the system—while staying true to collaboratively held values and aspirations. It’s a privilege to continue serving the field at this level, as ERS supports education leaders in designing student-centered strategies that meet the moment—and build for what’s next.”

Before becoming HPS Superintendent, Dr. Torres-Rodriguez held multiple leadership roles in education, including Assistant Superintendent within HPS, as well as Principal, Director, and Assistant Principal in neighborhood and magnet schools.

Today, she supports education and nonprofit leaders across the country with her firm, Lidera LTR Consulting, which provides executive coaching, leadership development, and systems strategy. She is also a lecturer in the Education Studies program at Yale University.

Her many accolades include being honored with the Equity Warrior Award at the 2023 When Women Lead Summit, being named Latino Superintendent of the Year by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), and receiving the National Brillante Award for Educational Excellence from Prospanica.

Dr. Torres-Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. She resides in Hartford with her husband and two sons.