First elected in 2012, Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel has extensive expertise in public affairs, economic development, housing, transportation, education and elderly care. She holds a Ph.D. in public policy and public administration. Before joining the County Commissioner's Court, much of Commissioner Daniel’s career was focused on education. She worked with DISD in program evaluation and accountability and was also adjunct professor of urban and public affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Commissioner Daniel has a long track record of community service with groups such as the League of Women Voters, local neighborhood associations, and the American Red Cross. She lives in East Dallas and has been a Dallas County resident for more than 40 years.

EDUCATION

- Ph.D., UT-Arlington, 2002, Public Policy & Public Administration, with Urban Economics
- Dissertation: "Why Does the Urban Regime Change? Transformations of Urban Regimes in Dallas, Texas"
- MPA, UT-Dallas, 1996
- MSSW, UT-Arlington, 1980
- MA, Urban Studies, UT-Arlington, 1980
- BA, Modern Languages, St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, 1975

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

- Dallas County Commissioner, District 1, first elected 2012
- Manager, Dallas Independent School District
- Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University
- Adjunct Professor, UT-Arlington
- Researcher, UT-Dallas and UT-Arlington
- Researcher, private companies and research consultant
- Congressional Staff, Congressman Martin Frost

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

- Boy Scouts den leader 6 years, pack leader 3 years
- Board member (elected), parochial school, 4 years; president, 2 years
- Member (appointed), Parish Council
- Chair, Parish year-long Jubilee Celebration
- Women’s Issues Network, Chair, 2005-07, current member
- Dallas Women’s Coalition, Chair 2005, current member
- Dallas Summit, Treasurer, current member
- Current Board Member and Active Committee Work, League of Women Voters, Dallas County Women’s Council
- Member, Dallas Arboretum
- Member, former Women’s Museum
- Member, For the Love of the Lake

PERSONAL

- Lived in Texas for more than 40 years
- Two children – Laura, a 2003 graduate of Texas A&M. and Tom, a 2005 graduate of Texas A&M
- Three incredible grandchildren