01 | News

Introducing the Mary Elizabeth Society

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A graphic for the Mary Elizabeth Society logo.
02 | Event

Join us for our next Place the Ladder conversation

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A graphic for the Place the Ladder event with Roy Spence and Ted Dintersmith.
03 | Insight

Leading with a mentor mindset

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Dr. Lindsay Whorton, president of The Holdsworth Center, interviews Dr. David Yeager, a researcher focused on what works for mentors leading young people.
04 | News

New superintendents embark on Holdsworth learning journey

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A graphic representing The Holdsworth Center's Superintendent Leadership Program.
A photo of Ryan Hawkins of Arlington ISD standing in a hallway on campus.

Who we are

Founded as a nonprofit in 2017 by H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt, we build stronger leaders for Texas public schools.

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Why leadership?

With strong leaders, teachers and students thrive. Great leaders draw out the best in people and inspire them to achieve the unimaginable. Leadership is not a skill people are born with – it can be taught and honed through day-to-day practice.

Our programs and services help expert educators become stronger leaders. We do this critical work because we know students’ futures are at stake.

Who we serve

Since our founding in 2017, Holdsworth has served more than 1,500 educators in 75 public school districts including superintendents, central office administrators, principals, assistant principals, teachers and other campus leaders.

A photo of a campus leader during a leadership program session at The Holdsworth Center's Campus on Lake Austin.

“No other experience has helped to make me a better leader and a better person. If you want to make an investment our children and the future of public education, invest in the people. That’s what Holdsworth does.”

Matt Varnell

Principal, Arlington ISD

A portrait photo of Charles Butt smiling.
Portait of Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth in the 1960s

I named the center for my mom because she was for the kids.”

— Charles Butt

Chairman of H-E-B and founder of The Holdsworth Center

Charles Butt, Chairman of H-E-B, founded The Holdsworth Center in 2017. He named it for his mother, Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth, a former school teacher who inspired in her son a great admiration for educators and a passion for helping all students succeed.

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Get involved

Donate and give students the gift of great leaders, or sign up for our email list to get Holdsworth updates, learning resources and inspiration delivered to your inbox.

Anitra Crisp, Principal in Southwest ISD, is pictured on campus wearing a black dress and black mask.