Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora Named Recipient of the TCWSE Margret Montgomery Leadership Award

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora has been named the recipient of the Margret Montgomery Leadership Award by the Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE), honoring her extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to advancing professionalism for women in education.

Named after TCWSE’s founder, the Margret Montgomery Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding Texas educator who exemplifies visionary leadership, advocacy, and service to women in education. Dr. Salazar-Zamora was selected for her transformational impact on students, educators, and communities, as well as her role as a trailblazer and mentor for women across Texas.

As the first female Superintendent in Tomball ISD’s history, Dr. Salazar-Zamora has led the District to become one of the highest-performing school districts in the region — the only “A”-rated district in both Harris and Montgomery counties, the No. 1 Best School District in Harris County by Niche, and a 2025 Houston Chronicle Top Workplace. These honors reflect her ability to lead with both excellence and heart, fostering a culture where academic achievement and employee well-being thrive together.

In 2023, Dr. Salazar-Zamora made history as the first Hispanic female to be named Texas Superintendent of the Year, and in 2024 she was recognized as a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year. Beyond these achievements, she is widely respected as a statewide advocate for women in education who actively mentors aspiring leaders, celebrates the accomplishments of women, and creates pathways for professional growth and advancement.

Dr. Salazar-Zamora is also known for modeling what it means to be a successful woman leader who balances professional excellence with personal priorities. She leads a high-performing district while promoting a family-first culture that supports flexibility, wellness, and work-life balance for employees — sending a powerful message that leadership and family can coexist.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Salazar-Zamora. “Margaret Montgomery’s legacy reminds us that leadership is about lifting others as we rise, and I am grateful to serve alongside so many incredible women and educators who make a difference every day.”

The award was presented at the TCWSE Annual Conference, where Dr. Salazar-Zamora was recognized among distinguished education leaders from across the state.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 25 campuses.