PHOENIX, AZ, June 2023— Teach For America Phoenix, a leading education nonprofit in the Valley, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Brad Vynalek as the new Board Chair for its Regional Advisory Board. With his eight years of experience as a Board Member and leadership of the Development Committee, Vynalek will play a pivotal role in furthering Teach For America’s mission of providing high quality, equitable education to all children in Arizona.

As Board Chair, Brad Vynalek will lead the Teach For America Phoenix Regional Board, collaborating with a diverse group of business leaders, community leaders, and philanthropists. His strategic guidance and dedication will help shape Teach For America’s vision, enhance its impact, and drive meaningful transformation within the education landscape. “Brad Vynalek is the leader that Teach For America Phoenix needs at this moment in its history. His deep knowledge of the organization and its mission, his commitment to its development, and his passion for improving the lives of students throughout the region will be tremendous assets moving forward.” says outgoing Board Chair, Barbara Ryan Thompson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Helios Education Foundation.

“Teach For America is a national leader in attracting amazing and diverse leaders to pursue paths as educators,” said Vynalek. “Here in Arizona, Teach For America educators have been a driving force in innovative and equitable education. Since joining the Phoenix Regional Advisory Board eight years ago, I have seen firsthand the impact those educators have on students, their families, and the education ecosystem. I am so thrilled to deepen my involvement as Chair of the Board this year and to help with this important mission.”

Brad Vynalek’s leadership in the Phoenix community extends beyond the education sector. He is the President of Quarles & Brady LLP, a national law firm with offices in Phoenix and Tucson, and an Executive Committee Member at Greater Phoenix Economic Council. His experience and unique perspective will help forge strategic partnerships, secure resources, and amplify the impact of Teach For America Phoenix. 

“We are thrilled to introduce Brad Vynalek as our new Board Chair. His longtime leadership, commitment to educational equity, and strong relationships in the community will continue to be instrumental in advancing our mission and deepening our impact in the Phoenix community,” said Steve Erickson, Executive Director of Teach For America Phoenix. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to Barbara Ryan Thompson for her exceptional leadership and unwavering belief in the potential of all children as outgoing Board Chair. Her strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and ability to bring diverse stakeholders together have propelled us forward in our efforts to create a more just and equitable education system.”

 

About Teach For America

Teach For America works in partnership with nearly 250 urban and rural communities across the country to expand educational opportunity for children. Founded in 1990, Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. Today, Teach For America is a force of 67,000 alumni and corps members working in more than 9,000 schools nationwide in pursuit of profound systemic change. From classrooms to districts to state houses across America, they are reimagining education to realize the day when every child has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact

Sarah Boon | 206.795.0557 | Sarah.Boon@teachforamerica.org