Meet the Board of Directors
Greg Swartz, President
Greg Swartz is President and Founder of Swartz Electric, a Colorado Springs-based electrical contractor that has been voted Best of the Springs 9 years in a row. Having served 9 years with the United States Marine Corps before transitioning into the civilian sector, Greg has licenses as a Master Electrician and an Electrical Contractor with degrees in Electronics Technology and Electrical Engineering. He enjoys short-term mission trips building houses, schools, and churches in Mexico. Mr. Swartz participates in extreme events such as the ADT 1/2 Marathon, Tough Mudder, and Triple Bypass Ride.
Greg and his lovely bride Kimberly have been married for 28 years. They have 4 children: 1 at UCCS and 3 sons who graduated from Power Technical. Greg is a firm believer in James Irwin’s leadership, character, and ethics models. Greg’s term expires August, 2027.
Paula Mensah-Woode, Vice-President
Paula Mensah-Woode is a parent who has chosen ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½, where she’s seen her children thrive not only academically but in character and in an environment that fosters good citizenship. Paula is a Biological Scientist with an emphasis in Microbiology. Her passion for seeing kids bloom in character and perseverance led her to publish As Special As Can Be, As Cuddly as Can Be, and As Colorful as Can Be. Paula and her husband have daily programs on FOX 21 and SOCO CW; they travel the world speaking, hosting evangelistic meetings and pastors conferences, as well as overseeing WMCI Affiliate churches in different countries. Other books they’ve published can also be read in English, Hindi, Marathi, Spanish, French, Chewa, and Burmese. Paula has worked with a number of organizations in the area of strategic planning and marketing. Paula and her family enjoy spending time skiing, tubing, and everything in between in the Colorado Mountains. Paula's term expires August 2026.
Dr. Alexander Africa, Director
Dr. Alexander Africa is a United States Air Force veteran, and community leader with more than 20 years of leadership experience in military service, education, and nonprofit organizations. He serves as an executive leader for many non-profits in Southern Colorado, Regional, and National organizations. He holds a Doctor of Management in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, an MBA in Global Business Management, and multiple degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.
He has accumulated more than 4,000 hours of teaching, curriculum development, and mentorship experience and serves as National Vice President of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, one of the largest advocacy organizations in the United States, representing more than 4.4 million Filipino Americans nationwide.
Dr. Africa is married to his wife, Genesis, and together they are the proud parents of three children, all of whom attend ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½. As a family, they enjoy skiing, traveling, and spending time learning new things together. He is honored to serve on the ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Board of Directors and supports its mission of developing students of character, leadership, and academic excellence. Dr. Africa's term expires August 2029.
Amanda Deerr, Director
Bio forthcoming.
Kathryn Dieselberg, Director
Katie Dieselberg is a Midwest native who now calls Colorado Springs home. She grew up in a farming community and earned her degree in education from Concordia University Chicago in 2014. After seven years in elementary education, Katie transitioned from the classroom into nonprofit development, where she found a passion for building meaningful connections and supporting impactful work.
She currently serves as a Gift Planning Officer for the Colorado and Wyoming Region of the American Red Cross, partnering with donors across the state to facilitate legacy and asset-based giving. Through her role, Katie is able to help individuals and families create lasting impact through their generosity.
Katie most enjoys spending time with her husband, their son, who is a current James Irwin student, and their two large dogs. In her free time, she enjoys exploring estate sales, eating great food, crocheting, and spending time in the mountains. She and her family attend The Sanctuary Church in Old Colorado City, where they actively serve in a variety of roles.
As a board member, Katie looks forward to supporting both the students and educators who make James Irwin such a special community. Katie Dieselberg's term expires August 2029.
Sean Lacey, Director
Sean Lacey is a dedicated Financial Advisor with a strong background in financial services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and associate’s degrees in history and behavioral science, bringing a well-rounded perspective to financial planning and strategic decision-making.
Beyond his professional work, Sean is actively involved in his community through his church and youth sports, where he enjoys mentoring and supporting youth development. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships and being active in the community. Sean and his wife are proud parents of three children, two of whom attend ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½.
As a board member, he is committed to supporting the school's mission of academic excellence and character development, ensuring that both current and future students have access to exceptional educational opportunities. Sean is honored to serve on the board and looks forward to contributing to the continued success of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½. Sean Lacey's term expires August 2027.
Angela Vance, Director
Angela Vance is a dedicated professional with a background shaped by both her German-American heritage and her deep roots in Colorado, which she has called home since 2002. She has cultivated strong community connections in the Southeast region of Colorado Springs. Her professional journey began in local Southern Colorado news stations, which ultimately led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for ESPN. After a little over two years, the call of home proved strong, prompting her return to Colorado. This foundation led her to a five-year tenure with Harrison School District 2 as a Multimedia Content Production Specialist. In this role, she leveraged her expertise to create compelling video and photo content, communicating the district's successes and fostering a strong sense of community. Mrs. Vance is currently the Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pikes Peak Region, a role that aligns with her passion for youth development. Her commitment to empowering youth is reflected in her service on the James Irwin Charter School Board of Directors. She is honored to contribute to a mission that closely mirrors that of the Boys & Girls Clubs, with the hope of continuing her service beyond this three-year term. Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Vance is married with a stepson and a family of seven rescued pets. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and attending live game events. Angela Vance's term expires August 2028.
