Leander ISD is pleased to announce that Rachel Mackey has been selected as the district’s new chief human resources officer. The Board of Trustees approved her hiring at Thursday night’s meeting after her successful tenure as interim CHRO.
“Rachel has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is ready to lead the district’s employee talent development work with energy, enthusiasm, skill and savvy,” said Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D. “Having built strong relationships throughout the district, Rachel understands that empowering our staff empowers our students. As an integral part of the district’s executive leadership team, she will help move #1LISD toward our vision of cultivating each student individually to produce the most sought-after creators of our future world.”
Mackey was appointed interim CHRO this fall during a leadership transition period. She started with the district in 2022 as executive director of human resources, where she helped lead the department in providing comprehensive HR services to more than 6,000 employees. In this role, she expanded opportunities for new-to-profession teachers through alternative certification pathways, implemented an online ticketing system to streamline employee HR support and led continuous improvement efforts, including staffing, professional learning and high school master scheduling.
Prior to serving in Leander ISD, Mackey held various campus and district leadership positions in Pflugerville and Taylor ISD, including the role of director of human resources.
As she takes on the top HR leadership role, Mackey said she is honored to serve the staff who show up with heart and purpose every day to support every student in Leander ISD.
“Stepping into this role is both humbling and energizing,” Mackey said. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and deeply committed to leading with integrity, collaboration, and a steadfast focus on people. There is important work ahead as we support our staff, strengthen our systems, and continue building a district where every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired. Being part of the LISD family is truly an honor.”
Mackey earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&M University and her Master of Education in educational administration from Texas State University. She also holds a superintendent certification from the University of Texas at Tyler and is one out of 14 individuals in the nation to be awarded an Executive Human Capital Leader in Education (eHCLE) credential.
