Governance / Board
Board of Directors
As the AACS governing and policy-making body, the board provides spiritual leadership and direction for AACS. Members work closely with the Superintendent and other key personnel to advance the school’s mission and further our cause for Christian education.
What is a Policy-Making Board and How Does It Function?
The board operates according to a Policy Governance Model developed by Dr. John Carver and sometimes referred to as the Carver Model. The board approves strategic goals and plans, creates governing policies, and approves and monitors the school budget. While the board approves all senior-level hires (principals, and others who report directly to the Superintendent), the superintendent is the only employee directly evaluated and supervised by the board. The superintendent leads the school, and his/her direct reports include four principals and staff leaders in advancement, operations, and athletics. Additionally, the AACS Board acts together, requiring a majority vote, when approving policies or budget proposals or changes to the bylaws and constitution. In other words, individual board members do not have the authority to act independently. Please email Michael Edmonds, board president, if you have a question, comment, or suggestion for the board.
Michael Edmonds, AACS Board President
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I love the school, all three of my kids graduated from the school after attending 13 years (K-12), my grandson is now attending the school, and my granddaughter is in kindergarten. AACS has had a tremendous impact on my family through the education that has been provided from godly teachers and staff focused on a biblical worldview. The teachers do a great job partnering with parents to support my children, and now my grandchildren, with their walk with Christ. Our community of parents are amazing. AACS has given so much to me, and I hope I can offer my time, treasure, and talents on the board to continue the great work of AACS into the future.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I work with Chick-fil-A in the Annapolis area, serving my team and guests. I have been with Chick-fil-A since 1986 and became the owner in 1992--I love what I do! I attend Bay Area Community Church and serve on the finance team there, and I love time with my family. Being a grandparent is amazing!
Tell us about your family.
My wife Rene’ and I have been married since 1989 and I have three adult children in their 20’s along with five grandchildren. My three kids graduated from AACS in '11, '12, and '13, and two of my grandchildren are attending the lower school. I also have two granddaughters and a grandson on the way.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Huntington, WV. I left Huntington after graduating High School in 1988, and I have lived in the Annapolis area since 1997.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
Probably sleeping in a little later, having breakfast with my grandbabies. It is one of the busier days for my restaurants, so I like to visit one of them for a while. I may work on a project; I love home improvement, and we try to have a family dinner since everyone is so busy throughout the week.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Proverbs 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life."
It reminds me of how I need to keep a check on my heart, and I need to keep close to Jesus to do this.
Kevin Atkinson
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I’ve been investing in AACS since our kids started. I’ve witnessed and experienced the blessing to our family and so many other students and families. I’m humbled by the privilege to further serve the students, alumni, families, faculty, and administration as an appointed member of the board. I desire to bring my business, perspectives, and experiences to sustain and enhance the partnership with the AACS community in discipleship and education of our students.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I own a boutique consulting firm focused on solutions for private companies and their families, which combines my career experiences in finance, risk, wealth management, and creative solution development to align with clients’ personal and business goals. Outside of business, I enjoy time with the family and friends. Much of my time I am thrilled to be involved with our kids and their friends and just be available.
Tell us about your family.
My wife Christy and I have been married since 1996 and in 1998 moved to Annapolis from Northern Virginia. We have two children, Garrett and Kelley. Garrett is a 2017 AACS graduate and a 2021 graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor's Degree in Audio Engineering. He and his wife Brooke Wadsworth Atkinson (2016 AACS graduate) live in the area. Brooke is on staff with Youth for Christ and Garrett continues to pursue his passion in music, evolving his recording, mixing and mastering business GDA Productions. Kelley is a 2022 AACS graduate and is enrolled at Liberty University pursuing her passions in journalism and photography. We enjoy watching TV shows and playing corn hole together and love when our kids’ friends are routinely over.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
An early morning mocha coffee sitting outside on our screen porch. Then heading back to make breakfast for the family with bacon, eggs, and french toast.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Acts 2:42-47
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
I’d say this is one my core passages. I’ve always been fascinated with the apparent simplicity of the early church and the picture of the believers being together in such tangible and practical ways. I so much enjoy just being with folks and hanging out, mentoring, and encouraging young people and their families.
Steven Boggs
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
Passion and purpose. If I can find passion for something, because of its compelling purpose, I am all in. Having two sets of kids go through AACS with a decade age gap between them, I have the unique perspective of witnessing the positive influence of AACS for a second time including the blessing of the new lower school in Severn.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I am Law Registrar at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. In this role, I am responsible for the curriculum and schedule of classes, final exams, grading, record retention, FERPA enforcement, certifying records and graduates and leading the office. In addition, I serve on a Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) section (Legal Education and Bar Admission) and a MSBA task force (International Law Committee of Business Law). I am also an elected member of the Staff Senate for the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus. Finally, I am a licensed attorney in the State of Maryland and Texas (inactive since 2000).
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Sharon, and I have been married since 1993. We met at the University of Maryland College Park as undergraduates in the Greek System. We have four wonderful children. Our oldest daughter, a 2014 AACS graduate, earned her English Literature and Teaching Certificate credential from UMBC in 2019 and is interviewing for teaching positions in the Richmond area. Our oldest son is a rising junior Voice/Performance major at UMCP having graduated from AACS in 2016. He was involved in sports (football and lacrosse) and the performing arts at AACS having performed the male leads in both Cinderella and The Addams Family as well as singing tenor with the Madrigal Singers. Our youngest son is a rising 8th grader at AACS middle school who also has the performing arts bug. He was Mike Teavee in Willie Wonka Jr. in 6th grade and was cast as Kristoff in 7th grade (production still in process). Our youngest daughter is a rising 5th grader at AACS Lower School in Severn.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Southgate Community of Anne Arundel County since 1976. I attended Southgate Elementary, Old Mill North and Old Mill Senior High School having graduated in 1985.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning would be spent with my family at the National Gallery of Art in DC surrounded by The Voyage of Life paintings of Thomas Cole followed by a meal in the Cascade Café watching the waterfall and cascading lights in the pedestrian tunnel.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Jeremiah 29:11
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' ”
I remember hearing this read by Dr. Tony Evans at a Promise Keepers Conference and it was a powerful reminder that God is in control and knows His plans on my behalf, so it is unnecessary to worry or set my own agenda.
Mark Bothmer
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
For my wife Carrie and I, AACS holds a special place in our hearts. My wife graduated from AACS in 1989, and two of our daughters recently graduated in 2018 and 2019. The impact we have seen in their lives alone throughout their time at AACS and after graduation has inspired me to be more intentional and impactful toward the mission of AACS. Serving on the Board affords me the opportunity to do just that.
We also have a 9-year-old daughter attending the Annapolis Lower School, and we can see the impact the teachers and staff have had on her young mind as she grows in her own personal relationship with Christ and in understanding her faith. My wife and I have entered the stage of our lives where we have been blessed with several grandchildren, and I want to play a role in ensuring they will have the opportunity to attend AACS, a school that continues to honor Christ in how it executes its mission.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I’m a Sr. Digital Advisor at Microsoft Federal. In that role, I advise CIOs and CTOs in the public sector to re-imagine how they execute their mission by creating a vivid depiction of where they want to be in the future, and then helping them to bring that vision to life. I also serve on the Leadership Team at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship in Davidsonville, MD. But my true passion is my family, which is where I spend most of my time engaged in all kinds of gatherings, events, birthdays, vacations, and any other reason we can come together in fellowship.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Carrie and I have been married since 1997 and are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. We have been blessed with 5 daughters, Cassandra, Caillie, Carleigh-Ann, Caraline, and McKenna. As you can imagine, there were lots of smiles, laughter, and dancing in our household, all mixed in with a dose of drama and tears, and 2 spectacular golden retrievers. Even amid our family chaos, God’s grace and divine providence over our lives has brought us closer together.
My wife and I are now at a point where some of our daughters have started their own careers, and families, and blessed us with grandchildren, while others are finishing up degrees at Liberty University, and our youngest is attending the AACS Lower school.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Sussex County, New Jersey with 3 other siblings, but by the age of 11, our family migrated to the beautiful mountainous area of Flagstaff Arizona, where we lived until I graduated from High School. The move to Arizona was spurred on by my father in pursuit of a better life for our family. His faithfulness to that dream paid off.
I graduated from Coconino High School in Flagstaff and shortly thereafter was accepted to California State Fullerton, as a Music Performance major. After I completed a full year in the music program, I made the decision to return home to Flagstaff, and enrolled in Northern Arizona University, where I changed my major to Computer Science. I joined the Air Force ROTC program, and upon graduation, I was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and started my career. Should we run into each other, feel free to ask me why I made such a drastic change.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning is still an early-to-rise morning (5:00am) as I enjoy being the first up to have some quiet time, a cup of coffee, and an opportunity to watch the sunrise, and behold the glory of the day’s beginning.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Romans 5: 1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
This verse reminds me that throughout our lives, God is with us all the time, intertwined in every tiny aspect, through the joyful moments that lift us upward, and the tragic moments that take our breath away. If we sincerely seek Jesus, we can find peace and hope no matter the circumstances.
Amy Cowart
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I did not choose to serve on the board, I was chosen! Truly, when I was asked to consider serving, I spent time in prayer and in discussion with my husband. With peace, I have moved forward with my nomination, willing to serve should I be voted in. My hope is that I will be an asset to the AACS leadership community as we seek to provide an excellent education built on a biblical worldview.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
My professional calling is working in the medical field. My heart calling is nurturing the hearts and minds of my family and those He has put in my path.
Tell us about your family.
I met and married my husband, Jim, while in Michigan; I was in undergrad and he was a recent hire at Ford Motor Company. We met while volunteering together with Young Life (evangelical parachurch organization). Fast forward a few decades, we are married, still volunteering with Young Life periodically, and have 2 children in attendance at AACS since kindergarten.
Where did you grow up?
I was born into a family that values faith, family, and a strong work ethic in western Michigan. At the time, I did not realize how my church and home educations formed my worldview and the foundation of a lifetime of faith in the Gospel. As I looked toward starting college, my dad said, “get out of town and see how the rest of the world lives.” I did! He has regretted those words ever since, especially with his grandchildren being here.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
My perfect Saturday morning would be an unhurried one: awakening refreshed, coffee, quiet time, and family waffles for breakfast. Getting in a walk or bike ride before noon would be an added delight!
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
Every time I have to make a decision, including moving forward with this board nomination, I have clung to the promise of these verses. God has opened and shut doors over my lifetime, straightening paths that I would have made crooked should I have made them on my own. Leaning into God removes the pressure off of me and lets me rest in God’s peace. I pray this will continue to serve me and the AACS community well.
Kristin DeMarco
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I have always lived my life by exploring all opportunities that the Lord puts in my path. I am so grateful that I was called to serve the AACS school community. We have been an AACS school family for twelve years and this community has blessed and strengthened our family in so many ways.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I recently retired from being a small business owner of 11 years and I also am winding down my role as a venue manager. I am going to take some time to manage the DeMarco household and help our son with college tours and applications! I spend my free time volunteering at AACS, at my daughter’s ballet schools and also at Bay Area Community Church.!
Tell us about your family.
My husband Joe and I have been married for 19 years! We moved to Annapolis in 2004 and knew this was a place that we wanted to take root and raise our family. We have been blessed by three children – Alexander who is a rising senior, Julia a rising ninth grader and Anna a rising 6th grader. Our family has a love for the arts! – My son performs with the high school drama club and wants to be an animator; Julia is a ballerina and Anna is an actor. We enjoy watching movies and going to live theater and ballet performances.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I went to Penn State University and received my degree in Advertising with an emphasis in Public Relations. I moved to the DC area in 1999, met my husband and married him in 2001–the rest is history!
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning would be waking up early to enjoy the stillness of the day, making my family breakfast and going out on the water with my paddleboard.
What is one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
I find great comfort and encouragement in Proverbs. If I had to choose one verse it would be Proverbs 15:1. I’m not always excellent at following this verse, but I strive to be more understanding, and I try to see the point of view of others and not react in anger.
Charles Griffin
READ MORE about Charles Griffin
Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
AACS is an intentional investment that my wife and I are making in our children. We believe wholeheartedly that God has lead us to put our kids in a Christian school and AACS has been awesome. I would love the opportunity to have an influence on the direction of our school and be able to provide the gifts that God has given me to further the kingdom of God. I have children in the lower (1st grade) and middle school (6th and 7th grade) and I believe that I should do everything possible to have a positive influence on their life. School and the school environment/culture has a major impact on who children become. As a board member, I’ll have an opportunity to influence the future of the school that my children and their friends will grow up in.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
While I am not at AACS I am primarily doing 3 things. (1) The majority of time I am with my family in some capacity: taking kids to practice or games, working with kids on their homework, hanging out with the family, or spending one on one time with my wife. (2 & 3) When I'm not with my family I am usually either by myself trying to squeak in a workout or work on the business that I own and run, Next Rev Technologies.
Tell us about your family.
I have truly been blessed with a wonderful family. I am happily married to my wife of 14 years, Kimberly Griffin. Kim is my friend, lover, encourager, prayer warrior, superwoman mother, and proof that I clearly heard from God 15 years ago when I asked her to marry me. I have three children, Tiana, CJ, and Ryan (in birth order). Tiana is 13 years old in seventh grade at the middle school. CJ is 11 years old in the 6th grade at the middle school. Ryan is in 1st grade at the lower school. Tiana and CJ have been at AACS since 1st grade and kindergarten respectively, and Ryan came to AACS last year during kindergarten and is currently in 1st grade.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts in a close knit family with my mother, father, older sister, and older brother.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning for me would be one on which I wake up without an alarm clock. I’d go downstairs and have my prayer and reading time uninterrupted. After which, I’d go for a 2 – 3 mile run. After returning, I’d have breakfast with the family to catch up on things and discuss the plans for the day. The perfect plan would be one when none of the games overlap, we can go to every game together as a family, and the first game starting at noon so we don’t have to rush.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Mathew 6:33
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
This is one of my favorite passages because it keeps me grounded and directs my focus. It reminds me that God is in control and that none of the other things that I work at and do should ever supersede or take me away from building my relationship with God. The scripture also reminds me that God will provide and make a way even though I can’t see it so that things that seem big and would normally be stressful aren’t worth stressing about and my faith should be placed in Him. I’ve literally lived this scripture and seen it in my walk with the Lord in so many ways.
Dan Hendrix
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
Cherry and I believe deeply in the mission of AACS and our family has benefited from having Biblically-grounded partners in raising our kids for the sixe years since we moved to Maryland. It seems more important than ever to carefully teach the next generation how to walk in grace and truth (John 1:14), and to follow our example as we follow the example of Christ (1 Cor 11:1).
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I teach at the National War College in DC, which is my final Air Force assignment. Our family participated in the launch of Bay Area Community Church’s Odenton campus and I serve on the setup and teardown team there. I enjoy exercise and theology in my “free time.”
Tell us about your family.
Cherry is amazing! She recently finished her trauma/critical care fellowship after doing five years of general surgery residency at GWU Hospital. She started back to school, nearly from scratch, all the way back in 2002 when our boys were little, and she did the first eleven years of school and training while remaining more stay-at-home-mom than student! Eric '17 is a year into his Masters in Jazz Composition in Boston and will be married in December. Zach '18 graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University (“AACS-south”) with a bachelor's degree in business. Leah '23 recently revived the Upper School’s pre-med club, and Kayleigh '26 is quite ready to be done with her middle school career.
Where did you grow up?
I am fifth-generation Southern Californian, born and raised in Oxnard (an hour West of LA). We are contented Maryland transplants and I really only miss the weather out West.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
Quiet time, Saturday morning pancakes for the fam, and no need to grocery shop...but that last part never happens!
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
If I could keep this one promise fully in mind at all times it would be the end to sinning and striving. I get to be with Jesus forever, to know him, enjoy him, praise him, and walk with him for ages of ages unending. I need nothing, and I have everything. What a King we serve! What a Father to adopt us! What a Shepherd to lead us!
Dave Joseph, Jr.
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I want to help support students grow in wisdom, their relationship with God, and do things that change the world. I believe that young people have a unique opportunity to listen, love, and obey God in ways that often grow older believers.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I play games with my son and make meals with my bride. I run, write, and host a podcast to relax. I also have the pleasure of serving as the Pastor of Care and Counseling at Grace Community Church in Fulton, MD.
Tell us about your family.
My mother is from South Carolina and my father is from Trinidad & Tobago. Both of my parents come from large families and decided that my sister and I were enough.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Prince George’s County, Riverdale Maryland, and was born in Washington D.C.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning would be getting up early and going for a run, getting home and making pancakes, and then listening to an audiobook before taking a nap.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Hebrews 10:8,16-18
"When he said above, 'You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings' (these are offered according to the law)....'This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,' declares the Lord: 'I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,' then he adds, 'I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.'”
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. I am forgiven! No sacrifice is needed because there is a new covenant in which the laws of God have been placed on my heart. My sacrifice is not to pay for my sins but out of love for God. I need to obey and do the things that He placed on earth to do, daily.
Marc Lee
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The reasons I have chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors are to be a servant in God’s Kingdom and to be a steward of the institution. I asked God to use me in some capacity and the opportunity to serve on the Board presented itself, I thought that this is something that suits my interests and skills, as an educator and Developmental Psychologist. I also think as a parent and a steward of AACS that I should be invested in helping to maintain and grow the type of educational environment that I want for my child and other children. My wife, Lauren and I intentionally wanted to make an investment in our son’s future. A place that he could develop and strive in as a person and a Christian, we both have strong faiths and wanted him to be in a such a nurturing place.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
In my spare time to relax, I enjoy reading and watching movies, particularly on historical people, events, and time periods. I also enjoy, gardening, traveling, and cooking. Spending time with my family and friends, as well as coaching my son in educational skill development and a variety of sports. I currently serve as a professor at Prince George’s Community College, where I teach a variety of psychology courses. In addition, I serve as the Associate Executive Director of the Dr. William Montague Cobb Education Foundation.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to my best friend, Lauren Wilson Lee. We have similar stories as to how we came to be together, after praying for “our soul partner” the Lord blessed us with a chance meeting. We have been married for 16 years, we met at our Alma Mater Howard University. We have one child, Marc, Jr who is 10 years old and the joy of our hearts. He is in the fourth grade at AACS and is active in a variety of sports.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Miami, FL, the youngest of 6 children. We were a tight knit family, our parents had us in various Sunday School programs growing up. I attended primary through 12th grade and after graduation, I joined the US Marine Corps.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning would have me beginning the day with my family and breakfast; we enjoy weekend mornings when we can slow down and enjoy time together. I would then spend time doing yard work for a couple of hours, as I find it a relaxing activity in which I can commune with my spirit in nature. Later after relaxing and reading a few passages to meditate on in the afternoon; I would take a drive with my family over to the narrows for dinner.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Psalm 23
Psalm of David
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Psalm 23 is a family favorite passed down from my grandmother. I like it because it speaks to Jesus’ providence over our lives should we trust and believe in him. It details how he is our shepherd and provider who leads us on our path no matter the terrain; he stealthily guides, protects, and provides for all of our needs. The verse from Philippians 4:13 gives me courage to manage and endure anything no matter the circumstances, I know that Jesus and God are always with me to see it through.
Jina Simmons
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?I believe that serving others is one of my most important responsibilities as a follower of Jesus and a member of the global community. I look for opportunities to serve wherever I find myself. Since joining the AACS community in 2017 when my oldest daughter became a student, I have found ways to lend my time and my gifts to the school. I see my role as a board member as a way to serve the AACS community in a new capacity.
What do you do when you are not at AACS?
As a wife and a mom of two energetic girls, I spend much of my time caring for my family and our home. I also volunteer with the youth-focused organization where I worked for many years and participate in various groups and ministries at our church. During my downtime, I enjoy reading and creative writing. I also love to host gatherings of friends and family where everyone can enjoy good food and quality time together.
Tell us about your family?
My husband Charles, who is an interventional pain physician, and I have been married for 17 years. Our two daughters, ages 9 and 6, both attend AACS at the Severn Lower School. Our girls dance ballet, participate in the children’s ministry at our church, and love art and music. As a family, we really enjoy bike rides, picnics, movie nights, and traveling within the U.S. and internationally.
Where did you grow up?
I am originally from Philadelphia, PA, but growing up, my stepfather was in the Navy and we moved around a lot—mostly on the east coast.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning in the Simmons house would involve a family devotional, cooking breakfast together (banana pancakes, eggs with sautéed vegetables, turkey sausage, and fresh fruit) and getting outside for what my husband likes to call “adventure time”: a hike, a bike ride, or an outing to explore a new town, park, museum, or festival.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."
I love Proverbs 3:5-6 because it speaks to me as a summary of instructions for Christian living. It reminds me that when I relinquish my human tendency to control, worry, plan, excuse, judge, decide—independent of God—and instead seek His wisdom and direction, I will have peace in knowing that even when things don’t seem perfect to me, it is all part of God’s good and perfect plan. I can then begin to focus on the lessons, preparations, and growth opportunities to be found in the situation to which God has led me.
Mark Solsman
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
Serving the students, parents, and this great institution is truly a humbling experience. When I was first notified of my nomination I spent days in prayer with the Lord seeking His will. I feel called to serve on the board of directors because I enthusiastically support the vision and the direction of the faculty, staff, and administration. I would like to utilize all of my gifts and talents towards helping advance the school's mission and achieve its stated goals through my experience as a leader, an entrepreneur, and a critical thinker.
Tell us about your family?
My wife, Kelley, and I have been married since 1996 and together we have been blessed with two children, who were “lifers” attending AACS from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Both our son and daughter are now studying at Liberty University in Lynchburg VA. Last but not least we have two affectionate Labrador retrievers who think they are human.
We often look back and reminisce our time with the awesome, God-inspired faculty and staff at the Lower and Middle school campuses. They really are such special places!
At the Upper School both of our children fully embraced the “Eagle Experience” to its maximum, participating in 3 seasons of sports, the performing arts, and in the academically challenging environment. We are blown away by all of the rich opportunities offered in a Biblically-focused, Christ-centered community. In fact many of our children's role models and mentors were first their coach or director. We highly recommend you consider taking full advantage of everything this wonderful institution has to offer.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. I studied at Penn State University in State College, PA. However, you can say that I didn’t truly “grow up” until I moved to Washington, DC, by myself where I worked for the Federal Government.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning for me is when all four of us wake up to the awe of God's beautiful world. I love the beauty-rich environment of our great nation and cherish time with nature, whether that is on the still waters of the bay, or in the picturesque mountains of a national park. God’s creation is a beautiful place. Take time out to enjoy it.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Matthew 22:37-39
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
One of my favorite passages is the Great Commandment found in Matthew 22:37-39. To love another is to serve them. When I think of Christ and how He came to earth to serve us and teach us how to love through His example, I am humbled. These verses are a guide to me when setting my priorities - loving God and serving Him by loving and serving others on this Earth.