Leadership

The State Chairmen serve in appointed positions within state chapters, playing a central role in enhancing educational governance at the local level within their states. Their purpose is to strengthen the network of school boards, ensuring they effectively address community needs and drive positive outcomes for students.

Meet Our State Chairmen

Pam Kirby – Arizona School Boards Coalition

Pam Kirby is a distinguished leader in school board governance in Arizona, currently serving as the Chairman of the Arizona School Boards Coalition (AZSBC) and the President of the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members (ACSBM). With over 30 years of experience in accounting, education, and politics, she holds a CPA license in both Texas and Arizona. She also has a graduate certificate in Forensic Accounting from Northeastern University, as well as a master’s degree in Education Policy from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Ms. Kirby previously served on the Scottsdale Unified School Board and is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of education for all children. She acts as a trusted representative for school board members across Arizona, whether they are currently in office or seeking to run for a position on the school board.

Dr. Ron Resnick – California School Boards Coalition

Dr. Ron offers a fresh perspective on the status quo, evident in his successful business career in Simi Valley and his recent landslide victory in the school board election. As a trustee, mentor, and advocate for K-12 students, he is dedicated to making meaningful changes for students and families. Through his role as the state chairman for the California School Boards Coalition (CASBC), Dr. Ron strives to support fellow trustees in advocating for practical laws that benefit students rather than being hindered by bureaucratic obstacles. He is committed to building a network of like-minded trustees across California to generate momentum and is ready to mentor and connect others with resources essential for effective school board work.

Dr. Suzy Zimet – Colorado School Boards Coalition

Dr. Suzy Zimet has demonstrated leadership success in Aspen through various roles that will support her new position as the state chair for the Colorado School Boards Coalition (COSBC), where she will mentor and assist other board members in helping students and families across Colorado. Elected to the Aspen, CO, School Board in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, she will complete her term-limited service in the fall of 2025. She has spent the last eight years focusing on improving the curriculum, teaching, and organizational culture, especially as President of the District Accountability Committee (DAC), and has helped strengthen the DAC’s parent voice as a key partner. She has chaired the School Accountability Committees over the years before joining the Board of Education, growing the DAC membership to over a hundred parents through practical grassroots efforts and 13 subcommittees at one point.

Jaqueline Rosario – Florida School Boards Coalition

Jacqueline “Jackie” Rosario is a force to be reckoned with, bringing a high level of expertise to the role of chair of the Florida School Boards Coalition (FLSBC) in policy and governance. A woman of faith, a homeschool mom, a public school educator, and a school board member currently serving her second term in Indian River County. As a lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Law from Liberty University and has over three decades of educational experience, starting as an English as a Second Language teacher and including roles such as Assistant Principal, Professional Learning Facilitator, and Instructional Leader. Passionate about education, Jackie strongly advocates for school choice and parental rights while mentoring other school board members in policy writing. She holds two permanent certifications from New York: one as a Teacher of English as a Second Language and the other as a School District Administrator. Jackie offers invaluable support for Florida school board members seeking collaboration, networking, or mentorship. She is eager to connect you with the tools necessary for success.

Amy Cawvey – Kansas School Boards Coalition

Amy Cawvey is a dedicated leader and mentor, currently serving on the Lansing USD469 School Board in Kansas. Since moving to Lansing in January 2016 after her husband’s distinguished 36-year career in the Air Force, Amy has embraced her community with passion and purpose. As a proud mother of three adult children and a grandmother, her family serves as her driving force.

With a strong commitment to this generation of youth, Amy has been actively involved in her children’s schools, serving twice as president and once as vice president of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and working as an elementary school substitute teacher. These experiences ignited her desire to run for the school board to be a voice for the community, particularly for parents.

As a school board member, Amy prioritizes fiscal responsibility and the needs of taxpayers, school staff, parents, and, most importantly, students. She understands the importance of collaboration and transparency in the educational process. Her commitment to supporting fellow school board members across the state reflects her passion for enhancing education in Kansas.

With her extensive experience and community-focused vision, Amy Cawvey is ready to lead the Kansas School Boards Coalition (KSSBC)as ch airman and advocate for the best interests of students, families, and school board members throughout the state.

Michelle Tucker – Maine School Boards Coalition 

Michelle Tucker brings her passion to the Maine School Boards Coalition (MESBC) to support and connect like-minded members.  She is currently representing Gardiner on the Maine School Administrative District 11 school board. She is a tireless advocate for the needs of children and families and a fierce defender of freedom and parental rights. She works on many causes across the state of Maine designed to help others find their voices and serve. As a case manager in the mental health field, she works with individuals and families overwhelmed by trauma to heal and begin new paths forward to healthy, restored lives. A proud Mom to an adult daughter who has defied medical odds to pursue her passions, she understands what it means to fight for children, especially those with special needs. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow into the person God created them to be. 

Steve Whisler – Maryland School Boards Coalition

Steve Whisler is the Vice President of the Carroll County Board of Education and has been a strong advocate for parents, students, and educators. Steve is prepared to lead the Maryland School Boards Coalition (MDSBC) with experience and dedication to support new and current members. As Chairman of the Board’s Legislative Affairs Committee, he has played a crucial role in shaping education policy, ensuring accountability in school district budgets, and representing Maryland’s 9th-largest district before state policymakers.

A retired U.S. Navy officer, Steve served 20 years in both enlisted and officer ranks, specializing as a Persian-Farsi linguist. His career included over 700 flight hours and earned him the Air Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. He continues to support his fellow veterans as a member of the Carroll County Veterans Advisory Council and by educating military families across the mid-Atlantic about accessing their earned healthcare benefits. Steve’s hands-on classroom experience has given him insight into the challenges faced by educators and students. He now mentors and tutors students. With his extensive knowledge, Steve is available to assist school board members throughout Maryland.

Libby Settle – Missouri School Boards Coalition

Libby Settle is a steadfast advocate for fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and high-quality education for every child. Her experience includes accounting, public school teaching, and serving on a school board. As a foster and adoptive parent of children with special needs, she understands firsthand the challenges families face in accessing personalized educational opportunities. Her advocacy for her own children inspired her to help other parents become empowered voices. Her efforts are key to building a statewide network of elected board members as chair of the Missouri School Boards Coalition (MOSBC), dedicated to advancing academic excellence through collaboration and transparency. She also works closely with state legislators to strengthen parental rights and clarify the responsibilities of governing boards. She remains committed to empowering school board members across Missouri through collaboration, education, and local governance, prioritizing students’ rights and parental rights.

Jennifer Makar – New Jersey School Boards Coalition

Jennifer Makar is a committed leader in school board governance and community advocacy. She is currently an elected member of the Roselle Park Board of Education. As Director of Faith Outreach at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), she encourages community involvement in civic duties and voting. Her significant role as state chair of the New Jersey School Boards Coalition (NJSBC) will enable Makar to work to improve student success by promoting strong leadership within school districts, including board attorneys, superintendents, and principals. She supports parental rights and has successfully opposed controversial educational policies, which led to the removal of comprehensive sex education from the curriculum.

Beyond her school board role, Makar has created a statewide program to recruit future school board candidates. She chairs the Policy and Board Operations Committee and the Technology Committee. She is also Co-Vice President of the Union County Chapter of the New Jersey Federation of Republican Women, which is dedicated to mentoring new school board members across New Jersey.

After winning a school board seat in 2021, Makar secured a full three-year term in 2022, playing a vital role in shaping the board’s direction. Her leadership has led to the hiring of new district leadership, including a board attorney, superintendent, and principals. A strong advocate for parental rights, she has challenged controversial educational mandates, resulting in the removal of comprehensive sex education from the curriculum.

Angela Todd – North Carolina School Boards Coalition

Angie Todd is a dedicated member of the Onslow County Board of Education, committed to enhancing educational opportunities. She actively engages with the community and advocates for the needs of students and families. As the chair of the North Carolina School Boards Coalition (NCSBC), Angie promotes collaboration and effective governance through her mentorship initiatives. Her passion for education and student success within a vibrant military community makes her a valuable resource. She provides insightful guidance to new school board members and plays a significant role in shaping the educational landscape. As a founding member of the NC Coalition of Conservative School Board Members, she demonstrates her dedication to improving educational standards in North Carolina.

Thomas Hach – Ohio School Boards Coalition

Thomas (Tom) Hach is currently serving his fourth term as an Ohio school board member and is the State Director of the Ohio Freedom Action Network. After retiring as an IT program manager and completing a 21-year career in the Navy Reserve, which included service in Iraq from 2006 to 2007, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Miami University in Ohio and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. Through these roles, he has demonstrated school board leadership. As the state chairman of the Ohio School Boards Coalition (OHSBC), he is available to collaborate with dedicated individuals to unite like-minded school board leaders across Ohio, focusing on promoting academic success and defending students’ and families’ inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Kendra Wesson – Oklahoma School Boards Coalition

Kendra Wesson is an Oklahoman and a member of the Caddo Nation. In her second year on a local school board, her decisions impact employee pay, contracts, and strategic planning. Her experience includes working on school board elections, encouraging candidates to run, and training school board members across Oklahoma.

Rachel Moyer is a committed school board director and a dedicated leader within the Pennsylvania School Boards Coalition (PASBC), where her commitment to mentoring fellow directors enhances their ability to advocate for students and families. Her passion for education inspires her to help colleagues implement impactful policies.

As a wife and mother of two boys, Rachel is dedicated to ensuring every student in the Pennsylvania School District receives a quality education. Her experiences as a parent drive her passion for this cause.

During the shutdown, Rachel became a grassroots leader with FreePA, organizing meetings on state laws and training members for polling positions. After winning her school board election, she founded Pennsylvanians for Freedom. Now, as the chairman of the Pennsylvania School Boards Coalition (PASBC), she advocates for parental rights, curriculum transparency, fiscal responsibility, and athletic integrity, using her experience to assist other directors in their roles.

Kellie Bates – South Carolina School Boards Coalition

Kellie Bates provides valuable leadership as the state chairman of the South Carolina School Boards Coalition (SCSBC). In addition to this role, she serves as Vice Chair and Policy Chair of the Dorchester District Two School Board, where she is a strong advocate for parental rights, transparency, and local accountability in education. As a dedicated mother of three boys, she is committed to student success and brings a professional approach from her work as a freelance graphic designer and photographer, specializing in political campaigns and events.

She is dedicated to advocating for issues at the state level that matter to many South Carolinians, including initiatives like launching the district’s first K-9 weapons detection program and creating a comprehensive evaluation system for superintendents. Kellie is committed to supporting school board members by fostering collaboration, transparency, and the principles of informed and empowered local governance, while also safeguarding parental rights in education.

Stephanie Elad – Texas School Boards Coalition

Stephanie Elad is a principled and courageous leader whose honesty, independence, and unwavering commitment have made her a trusted voice in education in Texas. First elected to the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees in 2022, her trailblazing victory drew statewide and national attention. Her credibility, leadership, and impact demonstrate the professionalism and passion she brings to the role of state chairman with the Texas School Boards Coalition (TXSBC).

Beyond her governance role, Stephanie is an HR executive with deep expertise in organizational culture, leadership, and people strategy. Her professional background informs her thoughtful approach to policy and decision-making, which is always centered on what best serves students, parents, staff, and the broader community.

Stephanie’s leadership in the state is grounded in her faith and family. She actively engages with the North Texas Jewish community and proudly fulfills her roles as a wife and mother of two daughters.

Anniece Barker – Washington School Boards Coalition
Anniece Barker was elected to the Central Valley School Board in 2023. She is recognized as a leader in her role as state chair, serving as a beacon of support and mentorship for directors seeking a network of like-minded leaders to partner with them to succeed in their position at the Washington School Boards Coalition (WASBC). As a dedicated parent volunteer and the founding chair of A Voice for Washington Children, Barker advocates for parents’ rights and exceptional educational experiences for all students.

Since joining the Central Valley School Board, she has served as the Legislative Representative, working with state legislators to promote local control, protect parental rights, and ensure access to quality education. Anniece’s grassroots background highlights local decision-making. As a mother of four, she brings experience from public, private, and homeschooling environments, focusing on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and academic excellence. She is dedicated to supporting like-minded leaders who believe in preparing students for success and actively involving parents in their education.

Position Standards

The State Chairmen’s role is a leadership position for current or former school board officials who are not actively serving as founders, directors, or presidents of an existing group or organization. This allows them to focus on building partnerships within the state network while promoting resources and services among all members. Key Responsibilities include:

• Professional Development
  Facilitate training opportunities for school board members, emphasizing governance, policy-making, budgeting, and advocacy skills.
• Advocacy Initiatives
  Represent school boards at the state level, collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to influence beneficial legislation for K-12 students.
• Partnership Facilitation
  Promote collaborations with local organizations, providing resources and support to enhance the effectiveness of school board members.
• Communication and Engagement
  Serve as a link between NSBC national leadership and state chapters, ensuring smooth communication and addressing local concerns and a sense of community.
• Membership Support and Expansion
  Actively recruit new members and retain existing ones to maintain a vibrant coalition representing both newly elected and seasoned voices in the network, thereby increasing the strength and longevity of the state coalition.