Who We Are
Founded by current school board members Carrie Douglass and Ethan Ashley, School Board Partners connects emerging, inspired elected community leaders serving on local school boards with the training, support, and mentorship needed to successfully push for high quality school systems.
Leadership Team
Ethan Ashley
CO-CEO, CO-FOUNDER
“The future of our communities is only as bright as the opportunities we provide for our youth. School Board Partners empower school board members throughout the country with the tools to provide our youth with the very best, which, in turn, creates the brightest future possible for our nation.”
Carrie Douglass
CO-CEO, CO-FOUNDER
“Kids depend on school board members to make decisions that ensure every student has access to a great school. School Board Partners grew out of a desire to support school board members making tough decisions on behalf of all kids.”
Erica Freeman
VP of Impact
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Christine Strickland
Events Manager
“Christine is excited to create spaces and events that will allow for the nation’s school board leaders to learn how to transform our systems to positively impact our Black and Brown kids.”
Board of Directors
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."”
Marisa B. Pérez-Díaz
Board Member
“Marisa B. Pérez-Díaz, the District 3 State Board of Education member, was elected to the Board of Education in November 2012 and took office on Jan.”
Ed Williams
Board Member
Carl Zaragoza
Board Member
“I ran because I couldn’t sit on the sidelines of my failing district any longer. But as an elected school board member driving change, I felt so alone. Mentorship to connect school members to something bigger, to help check for blind spots and to effectively legislate is much needed. I am excited to help others learn from my path.”
Jonathan Klein
Board Member
“Jonathan Klein 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.”
Lead Partners
Ben Kleban
Lead Facilitator, Good Governance and Empowered Governance lead author and consultant
Dr. Amanda Aikens
Lead Facilitator, Personal Leadership
Dr. Kelli Peterson
Lead Facilitator, Equitable Policies
Dr. Jessica Swansom
Lead Facilitator, Equitable Budgeting
Dr. Nate Easley
SBP Mentor
Alisha T Searcy
SBP Mentor
