Board Members

Carmen Wyckoff

Board Member

Biography

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.

Scott Thompson

Board Member

Biography

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.

Halleh Landon

Board Member

Biography

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.

Thomas D. Rushin

Board Member

Biography

Thomas D. Rushin is an Arizona native with 44 years of experience in the field of education. He has been a teacher, coach, principal, associate superintendent and retired in 2008 as Superintendent of Yuma Elementary School District in Yuma, Arizona. He has led school district planning committees, bond elections campaigns, developed building programs, developed educational specifications, and worked with a variety of architectural firms through all phases of building design and construction. His passion for improving learning environments for students lead him to use his leadership skills and prior experience to plan schools that meet the needs of all students in the twenty-first century. School Construction Representative. Term expires January 2018.

Sandy Williams

Board Member

Biography

Sandy Williams, a current 6th Grade Teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, has been teaching for twenty-eight years in Arizona. Sandy was raised in Arizona and is a product of the outstanding public schools and university systems. She has raised her own family here and now has grandchildren thriving in Arizona schools. Sandy is passionate about all aspects of the education profession and the State of Arizona. She has many years of professional experience and service with the education of students, relations with parents and peers, and the business of public schools. Sandy has served on several Paradise Valley School District Committees including District Operations Oversight, District Facilities, District Long Range Planning, Annual Contract Negotiations, and the Paradise Valley Education Association Teacher Advocacy Committee - Advisor/Mentor, and past Vice President. Teacher Representative. Term expires January 2020.

Aaron Wonders

Board Member

Biography

Aaron Wonders is the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs representing the Arizona Department of Education, Policy Development & Government Relations Office.

VACANT

Board Member

Biography

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.

VACANT

Board Member

Biography

Per A.R.S.§ 15-2001.A.9, this Board Member shall be an owner or officer of a private construction company whose business does not include school construction. Once filled, this position replaces the School Construction Representative position. Term expires January 2022.