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.
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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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 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 12-year-old daughter attending the AACS Middle 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 eight grandchildren (and growing), 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.
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, and our youngest is attending the AACS Middle 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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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.
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.
Ryan Cox
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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.
Ron Foster
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Charles Griffin
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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. I’d look at the calendar and realize that there is no sports practice or games for the kids until the afternoon. After which, I’d work out with my wife at the gym. 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 doing one of my favorite activities which is to watch my kids play games in their respective sports. None of the games would overlap, and we could go to every game together as a family and the first game would start 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.
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 on the school board as another way to serve the AACS community.
What do you do when you are not at AACS?
I am blessed to be able to dedicate much of my time to being a wife and a mom of two energetic girls. I also work as a freelance writer and editor. I volunteer with the non-profit organization where I worked for many years, serving youth from an under-resourced community in DC, and I 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, an interventional pain physician, and I have been married since 2003 and we have two daughters. Our oldest daughter attends the AACS Middle School, and our youngest attends the Severn Lower School. Both of our girls enjoy participating in sports and performing arts. Our mentee of many years, and “big brother” to our daughters, lives with us as well. As a family, we 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 for most of my childhood, my stepfather was a Navy chaplain 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, making breakfast together (acai bowls are our favorite!), 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. These verses remind me that when I relinquish my human tendency to control, worry, plan, excuse, judge, decide—independent of God—and instead invite God’s wisdom and direction, He will unfold His good and perfect plan in my life. I can trust that even my pain is part of God molding me and directing my path toward His purpose.
Kristine Vander Wall
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I want to use my spiritual gifts and talents to help the school carry out its academic and spiritual missions. We are a new family to AACS, and I wanted a way to jump in and serve right away.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I work full-time as a government contractor. I love to exercise, read, and spend time with family and friends.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to Dale, and we have three children. Hannah, 20, attends the University of Maryland. Sophia, 18, is a senior at Archbishop Spalding, and our son Seth, 15, is a tenth grader at AACS.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning consists of an early morning workout with little else scheduled. We don't have much time together as a family because of our kids' ages, so having spontaneous time together is a gift.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages, and why?
Philippians 4:6-8: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
I love this passage because it reminds us that the Lord is sovereign. I am reminded not to waste mental energy worrying about things that are out of our control. Instead, we are to focus on things related to the Almighty.