Gilberto Prado

I have served as Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for Mesquite ISD since October 2022. Mesquite ISD serves approximately 37,000 students, operates with an annual budget of more than $500 million, and successfully passed a $600 million bond referendum in May 2025. In this role, I oversee the district’s financial and operational functions, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable, grants, risk management, asset management, purchasing, construction services, and facilities operations.
I began my career in school business in July 1995, initially viewing it as an unexpected opportunity. With a degree in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College and a Series 7 investment license, I had anticipated a career in the investment industry. Instead, I accepted a position as a purchasing agent with Dallas ISD, which ultimately launched a fulfilling career in public education finance and operations.
Over time, I advanced to serve as Executive Director of Budget and Grants at Dallas ISD, where I helped manage a $1.7 billion budget for a district serving more than 163,000 students. After nearly 20 years with Dallas ISD, I continued my leadership journey with Garland ISD, Cedar Hill ISD, Northwest ISD, and now Mesquite ISD. More than 30 years later, I remain honored to serve students, families, and the broader community through this work.
In addition to my district responsibilities, I am currently serving a second two-year term as Treasurer for both the Mesquite Economic Development Advisory Board and the Mesquite Quality of Life Corporation Board of Directors for the City of Mesquite.