Chandler Education Foundation Leadership
Meet the Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) Board of Directors! These distinguished leaders selflessly volunteer their time and expertise to support the students, staff, and families of Chandler Unified School District (CUSD).
Each board member brings a wealth of experience from various fields, united by a shared commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a thriving school community. Their dedication ensures that every student in our district has the chance to achieve their highest potential. Discover more about the individuals driving our mission forward and their invaluable contributions to our community.
CEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1986. In addition to our volunteer Board, CEF is supported by four staff members.
Executive Committee Officers
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Christine Warren - Board Chair
Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach, Chandler Regional Medical Center
Board Chair, Executive and Governance Committees
"I am a nurse, and I care deeply for others, especially the Chandler community. I have the honor of serving the Chandler Education Foundation as board chair. I am proud to be a part of the team that empowers CUSD students to have the most complete and fulfilling education experience possible."
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Kristel Patton P.C. - Chair Elect
Attorney, P.C. d/b/a, Empowered Legacy Planning
Chair Elect, Executive Committee, Governance Committee Chair
"I decided to serve on the Chandler Education Foundation Board because I live in Chandler with my husband and two school-aged children. We love the Chandler schools and wanted to give back in a meaningful way."
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Dr. Jeff McGee - Past Chair
CEO, Cross-Cultural Dynamics
Past Chair, Executive and Governance Committees
"I’ve always liked to give back to my community and what better way than to invest in the next generation. Serving on the Chandler Education Foundation Board gives me the opportunity to fulfill my purpose."
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Nicole Salusky - Secretary
MNLM Professor, Justice University
Secretary, Governance Committee
"Our family has a longstanding history with Chandler public schools. I was born and raised in Chandler and attended our local schools. My husband and I have two children who were educated in Chandler public schools. Over the years, various teachers have positively influenced our children throughout their education. We are grateful for your love and care.
Being active in our local community is important to me. I aim to develop future social service leaders through supportive leadership, and I'm honored to serve on a board committed to education for all."
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Lindsay Shaw - Treasurer
Relationship Strategist, PNC Bank
Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair
"I joined CEF because I believe strong public schools are essential to a thriving community where all students can achieve whatever they choose as they grow. I am inspired by the Foundation’s impact on students and teachers in CUSD and felt with my personal background I could contribute in a meaningful way."
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Vicki Potter - Member at Large
Marketing Coordinator, Sunrise Engineering
Member at Large, Marketing and Fundraising Committee
"The education of our children is vital to the future success of our communities. Chandler Education Foundation offers opportunities to help students succeed, and offers me a way to participate in making a difference."
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Jayson Phillips - Member at Large
Principal, Santan Junior High
Member at Large, Scholarship Committee Chair, Marketing and Fundraising Committee
“The CEF's sole mission is to help the students and teachers of the Chandler Unified School District. Joining an organization dedicated to improving education in Chandler was an easy decision.”
Board Members
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Andy Brenits
Principal, Brenits Consulting & Creative
Marketing and Fundraising Committee Chair
"Education has always been an important part of my life. I’ve spent more than two decades teaching at the university level, and I understand the vital role that great schools play in creating opportunities for young people.
As a parent of two CUSD students, I serve on the Chandler Education Foundation Board because I believe every student deserves access to exceptional educational experiences and every educator deserves strong community support. The Foundation creates opportunities that enrich learning, recognize excellence, and strengthen our community." -
Adam T. Cain
Chief Operating Officer, Sustainability Partners, LLC
Fundraising/Finance Committee
"I decided to serve on the Chandler Education Foundation board because I love Chandler and have three children in the Chandler Unified School District."
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Greg Hallas
Project Management, Hallas Solutions
Golf Committee Chair, Marketing and Fundraising Committee
"I’ve always valued education and the role it plays in shaping opportunities. Joining the board was a way for me to give back locally — to help create programs and support that directly benefit students and educators in our community. Furthermore, I have 2 children in the Chandler school district that absolutely love their school and teachers!"
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Chuck Kelly
Chief Operating Officer, Lumenasa
Finance Committee
"The Chandler School District has truly shaped my daughter’s love for learning, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role it’s played in her growth. Supporting a district that cares deeply about inspiring and nurturing young minds means a lot to me. That’s why I’m proud to be part of the Chandler Education Foundation Board — working alongside others who are passionate about making a real difference."
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Lane Krumpos
Training Specialist, Center for Applied Research Solutions
Governance Committee
"As a member of the Chandler Education Foundation board, I am passionate about the transformative power of accessible resources and community support. Working in the field of prevention, I witness firsthand how crucial these resources are for students, staff, and families. As a parent raising my children in the CUSD community, I consider it an honor to contribute to CEF’s efforts. Together, we cultivate a supportive environment that empowers our youth. Supporting CEF is an investment in the well-being of our entire community.”
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Matt Wedding
Vice President, Chasse Building Team
Golf Committee, Marketing and Fundraising Committee
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Chase Winkelmann
CEO / Co-founder, Winks Washes Mobile Detailing
Marketing and Fundraising Committee
"As a recent alumnus of CUSD, I have personally experienced the generosity of the Chandler Education Foundation through receiving several scholarships which have supported my studies at Arizona State University. I wanted to join the CEF Board to give back to future generations of students, support staff, and empower educators. I aim to offer a new perspective to several board initiatives and help strengthen the foundation’s impact on education throughout Chandler."
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Dr. CJ Wurster
President, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Governance Committee
Chandler Unified School District Liaisons
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Leo Schlueter - CUSD Liaison
Chandler Unified School District, Executive Director of Elementary Education
CUSD Liaison, Finance Committee
“As the liaison between Chandler Unified School District and the Chandler Education Foundation, I view my role as a bridge that strengthens collaboration, understanding, and alignment between our schools and the foundation. Because my involvement directly benefits the district I serve and the students I support, I am deeply committed to ensuring the resources, partnerships, and opportunities created by CEF flow meaningfully into our classrooms.
Additionally, it provides an opportunity to network and build friendships and support among the community. This connection not only enhances the foundation’s ability to meet its mission but also ensures that the voices and needs of our students, families, and staff are represented. Serving in this capacity is an honor and a responsibility I take seriously, as it allows me to advocate for programs and initiatives that uplift every learner in our district.”
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Barb Mozdzen - CUSD Governing Board Liaison
Chandler Unified School District Governing Board
CUSD Governing Board Liaison, Marketing and Fundraising Committee
Foundation Team
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Jen Hewitt
Executive Director
"Working at Chandler Education Foundation isn't just a job for me; it's a profound commitment to nurturing our community's future through public education. Every day, I am driven by the belief that investing in education today will create a brighter tomorrow for our students and our society.”
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Raelynn Mackenzie
Office & Programs Manager
"My personal commitment to volunteering and community service drives my passion for working at CEF. Being part of an organization that prioritizes giving back and fostering positive change aligns perfectly with my core values."
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Heaven Castillo
Project Manager - Toyota Driving Possibilities Grant
“CEF’s core values Access, Innovation and Excellence is dedicated to students, their families as well as district staff to ensure all are fully supported by reducing barriers. I’ve chosen to be a part of the CEF team because I believe in empowering young people to reach their full potential is key to their success as they are the leaders of today and tomorrow.”
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Nicole Hehl
Marketing & Campaigns Director
“Every child deserves access to a great education and resources to reach their highest potential. Our schools do more than teach curriculum. They provide support and guidance. They shape the future, and our entire community benefits. I love helping to make that future stronger and brighter through the Chandler Education Foundation.”
