Our Team
Who We Are
Founded by former school board members Ethan Ashley and Carrie Douglass, School Board Partners connects emerging, inspired school board members with the training, support, and mentorship needed to successfully push for high-quality school systems
Leadership Team
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Ethan Ashley
CEO, CO-FOUNDER
"School Board Partners equips school board members with tools to create brighter futures by expanding opportunities for youth in communities across the nation."
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Erica Freeman
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Christine Strickland
EVENTS MANAGER
"I create spaces for school board leaders to reimagine systems and drive lasting change for Black and Brown students."
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Marcelle Beaulieu
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
“I deeply believe that education, in all its forms, is the foundation for transformative change.”
Board Of Directors
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Gregory Hatcher
BOARD PRESIDENT
“Gregory believes every child in America deserves access to high quality schools and educational opportunities, preparing them for college and career.”
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Marisa B. Pérez-Díaz
BOARD MEMBER
“Marisa, the District 3 State Board of Education member, was elected to the Board of Education in November 2012.”
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Ed Williams
BOARD MEMBER
“Ed assists clients with complex matters, including litigation, external or internal investigations, and strategic communications.”
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Jonathan Klein
BOARD MEMBER
“Jonathan is a co-founder of UndauntedK12, working to support America’s public schools to make an equitable transition to zero carbon emissions while preparing our youth to build a sustainable future in a rapidly changing climate.”
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Kayla Tibbals
BOARD MEMBER
“Kayla's areas of expertise include P-12 education, higher education, non-profit policy and advocacy, energy, and health care policy.”
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Debbie Veney
BOARD MEMBER
“Debbie leads a team of communications and marketing professionals who specialize in reputation management, advocacy campaigns, and shaping national communications strategy around public education choice.”
SBP Partners
Facilitators
Facilitators guide learning experiences, workshops, and group sessions. They support fellows and participants in developing core competencies across our frameworks and programs—especially Our Empowered Governance Framework, personal leadership, equitable funding, and sustainability.
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Ben Kleban
Good Governance
“Ben designs and facilitates content for SBP’s Empowered Governance Framework. He also serves as a mentor.”
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Dr. Amanda Aiken
Personal Leadership
“Amanda facilitates sessions focused on identity, vision, and leadership development for OCP and fellows.”
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Dr. Jessica Swanson
Student-Centered Funding
“Jessica leads sessions on school finance and resource access and allocation for OCP and fellows.”
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Dominic Malone
Self-Care & Sustainability
“Dom supports personal and professional sustainability practices through community care frameworks at OCP.”
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Everton "EJ" Blair
Certifications
“EJ leads the collaboration between School Board Partners and Colorado State University Global for the Certificate in Empowered School Board Governance.”
