Board Members

With over 20 years of school business experience, Scott Thompson recently rejoined the education community as Assistant Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools.  At Mesa Public Schools, Mr. Thompson is responsible for business and support services within the district. Prior to returning to education, he was General Manager of Safeguard Security, where he was responsible for leading the company through a major transition as Safeguard was acquired by SAFE Security in August of 2014.  During this same time as General Manager, he increased the profitability of Safeguard by over $1.2M. Before joining Safeguard, Mr. Thompson was Executive Director of Business Services for Dysart Unified where he successfully led business operations through 10 years of rapid growth, as well as several years of recession-related budget cuts. Prior to Dysart, he was Associate Superintendent for the Arizona Department of Education where he oversaw the state funding of school districts and managed the Information Technology Department. Mr. Thompson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.  In the community, Mr. Thompson serves on the board of a local non-profit after-school program known as DUCK (Downtown Urban Community Kids) and is an active member of his local church. School Facilities Management Representative. Term expires January 2020. To communicate with this board member, send an email to [email protected].

Halleh Landon is a graduate of Arizona State University, a registered electrical engineer and LEED AP with 18 years of electrical design experience.  She is an advocate for practical sustainability with a mission to educate others about the importance of energy efficient design and its impact on energy consumption and the environment. She is passionate about the success of schools and, in the past, has volunteered her time as USGBC Arizona's Green School Advocate, where she had the opportunity to draw attention to the needs of our schools and help teach the community about sustainability and what they can do to make a difference.  Halleh is an Energy Code Trainer, as well as a Certified Green Classroom Professional. Engineering Representative. Term expires January 2021. To communicate with this board member, send an email to [email protected].

With over 20 years of school business experience, Scott Thompson recently rejoined the education community as Assistant Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools.  At Mesa Public Schools, Mr. Thompson is responsible for business and support services within the district. Prior to returning to education, he was General Manager of Safeguard Security, where he was responsible for leading the company through a major transition as Safeguard was acquired by SAFE Security in August of 2014.  During this same time as General Manager, he increased the profitability of Safeguard by over $1.2M. Before joining Safeguard, Mr. Thompson was Executive Director of Business Services for Dysart Unified where he successfully led business operations through 10 years of rapid growth, as well as several years of recession-related budget cuts. Prior to Dysart, he was Associate Superintendent for the Arizona Department of Education where he oversaw the state funding of school districts and managed the Information Technology Department. Mr. Thompson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.  In the community, Mr. Thompson serves on the board of a local non-profit after-school program known as DUCK (Downtown Urban Community Kids) and is an active member of his local church. School Facilities Management Representative. Term expires January 2020. To communicate with this board member, send an email to [email protected].

Per A.R.S.§ 15-2001.A.3, this Board Member shall be someone with knowledge and experience in public procurement. Term expires January 2024.

Carmen Wyckoff is a Senior Associate and Architect with DLR Group in Phoenix, AZ.  She is a registered architect with 17 years of experience focusing on educational spaces from Pre-kindergarten to post-secondary school.  Since graduating from Penn State University in 2001, Carmen’s projects have included a $77M new comprehensive high school, a community college science center, high school performing arts centers, and a school specializing in teaching deaf students.  She understands how schools function, which materials are durable, and can offer advice on technical design and construction issues.  Carmen has presented nationally on healthier school design, innovative educational spaces, the Americans with Disability Act, and occupied campus renovations among other topics.  She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.  In addition, for the past five years Carmen has been an active volunteer creating connections between businesses and Arizona’s schools to create a stronger workforce.  Registered Architect Representative. Term expires January 2021. To communicate with this board member, send an email to [email protected].

Carmen Wyckoff is a Senior Associate and Architect with DLR Group in Phoenix, AZ.  She is a registered architect with 17 years of experience focusing on educational spaces from Pre-kindergarten to post-secondary school.  Since graduating from Penn State University in 2001, Carmen’s projects have included a $77M new comprehensive high school, a community college science center, high school performing arts centers, and a school specializing in teaching deaf students.  She understands how schools function, which materials are durable, and can offer advice on technical design and construction issues.  Carmen has presented nationally on healthier school design, innovative educational spaces, the Americans with Disability Act, and occupied campus renovations among other topics.  She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.  In addition, for the past five years Carmen has been an active volunteer creating connections between businesses and Arizona’s schools to create a stronger workforce.  Registered Architect Representative. Term expires January 2021. To communicate with this board member, send an email to [email protected].

Per A.R.S.§ 15-2001.A.3, this Board Member shall be someone with knowledge and experience in public procurement. Term expires January 2024.

Kate Wright is Chief of Staff at the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Prior to this role, she served as the Associate Superintendent of High Academic Standards for Students, overseeing English learner programs, Migrant Education, Homeless Education, Foster Education, K-12 Standards, Early Childhood Education, Career and Technical Education, and the Charter Schools Grant Program. 

She has been with ADE for over five years and was most previously the Dean for Special Programs in the College of Education for the University of Phoenix. She received a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Salisbury University and an M.Ed. from Grand Canyon University. Kate has been active in K-12 education for over 25 years, as a teacher, district coordinator, higher education administrator, and now representing the State Department of Education.