Ollie S. Tyler 2006 JA Laureate Ollie S. Tyler was born in the northern Caddo Parish town of Blanchard, Louisiana. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Grambling State University, a Master of Education degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and completed 40 hours of graduate and post baccalaureate work at LSU Shreveport and Southern University in Shreveport. In 1969, Mrs. Tyler began teaching at Eden Gardens High School. She was the first woman and African- America appointed to serve as Superintendent of Schools for Caddo Public School System. With more than 44,000 students and 6,500 employees, Caddo Parish is the second largest school district in the state of Louisiana. Continuing to lead the way in education innovation and reform throughout the state of Louisiana and the nation, her efforts to assist students and families following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita were documented and will serve as a model for other school districts around the country for years to come. Mrs. Tyler served on the Governor’s Education Transition Team in 2004, the State Blue Ribbon Committee for the Milken Foundation Award, the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of North Louisiana, the JA Worldwide Educators’ Advisory Council, the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s Community Advisory Council, and the Alliance for Education. Mrs. Tyler has devoted her life to education and serving her community. She received the Louisiana State Superintendent of the Year Award, from the American Association of School Administrators in 2007. Mrs. Tyler has been recognized with The Times Outstanding Leader Award, Phi Delta Kappa National Citation Winner, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Minority Business Council. In addition, she was selected as one of the 10 Most Influential Women in Northwest Louisiana, New Orleans City Business “Woman of the Year”, Women Who Make a Difference Award, and the 100 Women of Distinction Leadership Award of the Century in North Louisiana. Ollie Tyler was elected as Mayor of Shreveport in a run-off election in December of 2014 and began her tenure in office on December 27, 2014. Mrs. Tyler is a member of Upper Zion Baptist Church. She has one son, Tony, and one step-daughter, Wanda. .