The number of women who serve as public school district superintendents is inversely proportionate to the number of women who work in public schools. Men continue to dominate the occupancy of this position. Barriers that women encounter in their career journey and obstacles faced by women who serve in the role of superintendent have been identified in previous literature. Previous studies have also addressed how women superintendents overcome those challenges. This study takes the investigation one step further to examine personality traits of exemplary female superintendents and the relation of these traits to the achievements of their respective school districts. Accountability pressures and increased demands on public schools require qualified leadership. For districts to excel in regard to student achievement, unique individuals with powerful personalities capable of leading districts to a status achieved by few in the state must lead. This study uses qualitative methods to explore three exemplary female superintendents who have served mid to large size districts and have led those districts to a level of student achievement recognized at state and national levels. These case studies were guided by the following question: What does it take for female superintendents to excel in leading a school district? Each case study presents a unique individual with skill sets and traits that translate to stellar performance as district leaders. Interviews of staff members who work closely with the individuals, school board members, observations, and district information contributed to the findings to gain a portrait of exemplary female leadership. Implications for practice and further considerations are presented for organizations responsible for hiring, institutions responsible for preparing administrators, individuals aspiring to the position, women serving in the position, and communities seeking to select leaders for their schools. The women who were the subject of this study should be examined by all who are interested in preparing students in public schools to reach their highest potential. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]