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
Staff
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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
CHIEF OF IMPACT, INNOVATION & PROGRAMMING
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
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Christine Strickland
CHIEF OF STAFF
“I do this work to support the people making big decisions for our schools, so they can show up for students in the ways they deserve.”
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Everton "EJ" Blair
VP OF PROGRAMS & IMPACT
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Janice L. Silver, Ed.D
VP OF PARTNERSHIPS & CONSULTING
“As a former superintendent, I’ve seen firsthand how much the quality of board governance shapes what’s possible for students, which is why I’m passionate about supporting school board leaders as they turn big goals into practical decisions that truly improve outcomes for kids.”
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Dr. Marcelle Beaulieu
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
“I do this work because I believe strong, well-supported school board leaders—equipped with clear, compelling communication—can build more just and effective education systems for every student.”
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Nacondra Moran
FINANCE & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
“I do this work because I love bringing clarity to financial decisions so organizations can make informed choices that support their goals and communities.”
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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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
Emeritus Board Members
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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.”
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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Auon'tai Anderson
Community Engagement Manager
“I support recruitment into SBP programs and track engagement across the network to ensure members remain connected, supported, and actively involved in advancing equity and excellence in public education.”
