When you invest in employee development, the impact can be felt far and wide. As Stacie Gibson settles into her role as Harris County Department of Education’s newest director of Human Resources, her goal is to leave the organization better than she found it.  

“I want to ensure people are in the best positions possible and that we are all working towards a common good, because if I can help you be the best version of you, then we will get the best from the children we serve,” she said.  

Gibson knew from the age of nine that she wanted to work in education, as both her parents and grandmother retired from classroom or administrative roles. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Grambling State University, she spent nearly a decade in the classroom at Alief Independent School District before moving into campus leadership.  

She served as an assistant principal under HCDE Chief of Human Resources Dr. Tyrone Sylvester, who was a middle school principal at the time. Gibson, who later earned a Master of Education in Administration and Principalship from Prairie View A&M University, gained firsthand experience supporting students and staff and discovered a passion for the broader system, ultimately leading her to transition into HR.  

Over the past 17 years, Gibson has built a strong foundation in compliance, employee relations and recruitment to help strengthen organizational culture and ensure campuses are equipped with the necessary staff for student success. She’s worked in HR across Alief, Spring Branch and most recently, Fort Bend ISD.  

“My mission is to take us to diamond status, because we are a small enough organization where we can provide that intense support to staff,” Gibson said. “I’m going to identify our strengths and areas where we can improve to help leave HCDE better than how we found it. Let’s get ready to start applying the pressure and make everyone a diamond.”  

Gibson has two children – 26-year-old Teagan and 19-year-old Cayden, a student athlete at Southeast Arkansas College – and enjoys working in her garden in her spare time, growing everything from flowers to tomatoes. 

“The more I pour into my garden, the more it gives back to me,” Gibson smiled. “Gardening is like an extension of education for me. These kids are going to be successful because of what we give them.”