Board of Directors
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, ALA will post all notices of its Governing Board meeting agendas on this webpage and at the front office of each campus at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. The campuses are open Monday through Friday during school hours. The location of each campus is listed below. Each Governing Board notice will indicate the time, date, and place of the meeting and will include an agenda. Governing Board meetings will be held at the location indicated on the notice and agenda.
*Resumes for teachers are available for review at each campus.
Arizona Annual Financial Reports
American Leadership Academy is required to submit Annual Financial Reports to the Arizona Department of Education. View financial reports for 2019 and previous years online:
Charter One Annual Reports
American Leadership Academy's Board of Directors requires Charter One, ALA's education management partner, to provide an annual report of services provided. View 2019's report online:
Meeting agendas, minutes, and other resources
Board of Directors Contact Information
6913 E. Rembrandt Ave,
Mesa AZ, 85212
boardofdirectors@alaschools.org
(480) 420-2101
Board of Directors
Mr. Sterling Tanner, ALA Board President
Mr. Tanner joined the Board in 2017. He is the President and Executive Director of the Forever Young Foundation, a foundation for children founded by Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. The foundation's mission is to pass on hope and resources for the development, strength, and education of children. Prior to joining the foundation, Mr. Tanner served as the Chief Financial Officer, and Managing Director of Anasazi Foundation, a nationally accredited non-profit organization serving youth with substance abuse and emotional and behavioral concerns. Mr. Tanner currently serves as a board member or board chair for several nonprofit and for profit entities including Anasazi Foundation, Christmas Box House, nuvoH2O, Engage Now Africa, and One Life at a Time. Sterling Tanner graduated from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University in 1998 with a degree in finance.
Mrs. Lacey Brown, ALA Board Member
Mrs. Brown joined the ALA board in 2018. Her prior professional experience includes work in cosmetology, serving as a member of Madera Interior Solutions, working in real estate investment, and serving as a partner in multiple real estate companies. Mrs. Brown has five children attending American Leadership Academy and is active with school and community volunteer activities.
Mr. Rich Edwards, ALA Board Member
Mr. Edwards is the Vice President of Sales for Capital West Homes, located in Gilbert, Arizona. He has experience in the world of real estate, having held various managerial and sales roles for real estate development companies in the greater Phoenix area. Mr. Edwards is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations reach their full potential. He has served as the Assistant Director of Athletics for the Borrower for over seven years where he coached boys varsity football, winning Regional Coach of the Year honors as well as seven regional championships, leading the team to three state championships during his time as a coach. Mr. Edwards earned his degree in business management from Fort Hays State University.
Dr. David Nilsen, ALA Board Member
Dr. Nilsen is an orthopedic attending surgeon for Azure Healthcare. Prior professional experience includes Research Fellow and Junior Faculty Appointment at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. His educational background includes a master's program in medical education at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, resident in orthopedics and internship with orthopedic emphasis at Millcreek Community Hospital, doctorate of osteopathy at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a bachelor's in psychology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Mr. Ralph Pew, ALA Board Member
Mr. Pew is a practicing attorney and partner at the law firm of Pew & Lake, PLC, where he focuses on real estate transactions and development issues, land use entitlement, and other governmental regulatory matters. Mr. Pew is actively certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a real estate specialist. He also serves on the board of directors and is involved in the day-to-day business operations of FHF Mexico, Inc., a charitable organization focused on building homes for needy families in Rocky Point, Mexico. In 1996, Mr. Pew was appointed to the Constitutional Defense Council for the State of Arizona. He received a bachelor's degree in business management from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from Brigham Young University.
Mr. Brandon Clarke, ALA Board Member
Mr. Clarke joined the ALA board in 2019. He is the director of financial planning and a personal financial consultant at Cambridge Financial Services. His prior professional service includes over 20 years of specializing in comprehensive financial analysis and planning. Mr. Clarke is a member of the National Association of Financial and Insurance Advisors, and has previously served as a member of General Agents and Managers Association, founding Board Member of East Valley Business Builders in Gilbert, Arizona, and founding parent and board member of Canyon Rim Academy Charter School Board. Mr. Clarke received a bachelor's degree in english, with a minor in psychology, from Brigham Young University and the professional designation of Chartered Financial Consultant from The American College.
