Board of Directors
Educators for Quality Alternatives (EQA) was formed in 2008 by teachers and community members in New Orleans who were concerned about the lack of opportunities for students who were unsuccessful in a traditional school environment. After multiple years of research locally and nationally, the group decided to address the problem by designing and opening a charter school, The NET Charter High School, specifically tailored to these students.
EQA is a 501(c)(3) which holds The NET's charter and functions as its school board.
Parents, Alumni, and Parents of Alumni are encouraged to join EQA's Board! Click here for more information.
Tim GrayBoard President Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP
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A phi beta kappa graduate of Millsaps College, Mr. Gray received his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 1995. He is now a partner in the law firm of Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP. Tim’s prior non- profit experience includes serving as a member and chair of the boards of Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle Orleans and of Goodwill Industries in Jackson, Mississippi. Tim and his wife Robin have five children.
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Darcy McKinnonBoard Vice President Executive Director
NOVAC
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Ms. McKinnon is the Executive Director of the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC). NOVAC is the Gulf South's oldest media arts nonprofit. We believe storytelling empowers communities, and support filmmakers and creatives through education, training, production, preservation and artist support services. Located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, we help locals tell their stories with a southern accent.
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Dr. Ivan GillBoard Secretary Associate Professor
University of New Orleans
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Dr. Gill is Science Education Coordinator in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education at the University of New Orleans. In addition to teaching at the collegiate level in Geology Departments, he has taught in New Orleans public schools and is certified to teach all science subjects. Dr. Gill has coordinated the Shell/UNO Energy Camp, the Minority Geology Field Camp, and the Shell STEM Showdown. His PhD work was supported by an Alumni Federation Fellowship at Louisiana State University. |
Trey RaganBoard Treasurer Senior Manager, Tax ServicesLaPorte CPAs and Business Advisors
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A New Orleans native, Mr. Ragan graduated from Loyola University with a BBA in Economics and Finance. He is a Certified Public Accountant who began his career at the public accounting firm of Ernst & Young, LLP. He is currently a tax senior manager at LaPorte CPAs, where he works in a wide variety of industries including banking and manufacturing.
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Mary JonesBoard Member PartnerThe New Teacher Project (TNTP)
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Ms. Jones is a partner with TNTP, where she is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of contracts and providing strategic insight to a large regional team. She partners with school districts and CMOs to build and implement effective strategies for talent and academics. Ms. Jones earned a BA from San Francisco State University and an MS from Dominican College. She lives in New Orleans with her husband and two children.
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Patricia JuddBoard Member Registered Nurse |
Ms. Judd graduated from St. Lawrence University with a BS in Psychology. She worked as a registered nurse in the ICU in Santa Fe, New Mexico before becoming the Senior Director of Nursing at West Jefferson Medical Center. She is currently retired and volunteers as a nurse in her community.
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Nelly LopezBoard Member |
Nelly Lopez is a parent of a NET alumnus. She is excited to join The NET's board. |
Dona ParamoreBoard Member Chief Development OfficerKingsley House New Orleans
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Ms. Paramore is responsible for planning, directing, implementing and overseeing a comprehensive development and marketing program, in keeping with the agency’s goals, including all fundraising, and public relations relative to Kingsley House. Ms. Paramore earned her bachelor’s degree at Dillard University, her Master of Applied Politics at The University of Akron and an additional Master of Management and Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. |
Trovae' ProficeBoard Member Director of Recruitment,
New Orleans College Prep
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Ms. Profice graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a BA in Communications and from Baruch CUNY with a Masters in Public Administration. Her work experience includes several years as a New Orleans High School mathematics teacher, as well as serving as a director of charter schools for the Louisiana Department of Education. |
Wayne WesterfieldBoard Member Engineer
Seatrax Marine Cranes
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Mr. Westerfield graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana with a BA in Physics and from Columbia University with a BS in Civil Engineering. He went on to complete an MBA at Union College in Schenectady, New York. His work experience includes 20 years of project management and engineering for the railroad and industrial industry. He has previously served as board president for the New Orleans Chapter of the Louisiana Engineering Society.
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Nikesha WoodridgeBoard Member Client Services ManagerWells Fargo Bank
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Ms. Woodridge is a Wells Fargo Client Service Manager in Middle Market Commercial Banking. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics & Finance from Dillard University and a Masters of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the University of New Orleans. In her current role, Nikki is responsible for the management of the Commercial Service teams in Louisiana and Kentucky. Nikki is proud to be engaged in her community and spends time volunteering with local organizations and non-profits. |