Richard Woods (politician)

Richard Woods is an American politician and educator who is currently the Georgia Superintendent of Schools, a position he was elected to in 2014. He was reelected to his position in 2018, defeating his Democratic opponent Otha Thornton with slightly over 53% of the vote.

Woods received his bachelor's degree from Kennesaw State University and his master's degree from Valdosta State University. His career in education has spanned over twenty-five years, including fourteen in the classroom as a high school teacher. He spent an additional eight years working as a school administrator, in positions such as assistant principal and alternative school director. Woods also worked as a purchasing agent for a multi-national laser company and has been a small business owner.

Personal life
Woods was born in Pensacola, Florida as part of a military family. The family moved frequently, living in California, Hawaii, and Virginia before finally settling in Georgia. Woods is a graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He is married to Lisha, a retired educator of thirty years, and has been a long-time resident of Tifton.