Ben Barcon, President
Ben Barcon is co-founder and President of the ADM Group, Inc., a 24-year architectural and interior design firm with offices in Tempe, Arizona, specializing in commercial design. He is a native Arizonan born in Miami and graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management. Mr. Barcon believes in community involvement and is a founding member of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Rio Salado Business Partnership Advisory Board, Phoenix Elementary School District #1 Business and Community Partner Committee, Arizona Business and Education Coalition (ABEC), Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO), long-time sponsor of Arizona Superintendent’s Association (ASA), and a proud supporter of Arizona Hispanic School Administrators Association (AHSAA).
bbarcon@admgroupinc.com
Board of Directors 2023
Elizabeth Burkhardt, Treasurer
Elizabeth is VP Marketing for the education-focused data services company, Agile Education Marketing. She has extensive experience in marketing with past positions at Pearson Education, Shea Homes, SMART HEALTH, and QWEST. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her two kids and hiking with friends.
eburkhardt@agile-ed.com
Cathy Yurchick, Grants Committee
Cathy is Director of Sales for KOI Education; KOI specializes in the evidence-based professional development and training of educators and administrators in K-12 education. Cathy has extensive experience working with enterprise-level organizations in both the private sector and the public sector, primarily K-16 education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Cathy enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, plus working on various volunteer projects.
cathy@koi-education.com
Dr. Rene X. Diaz, Grants Committee
Dr. Diaz was superintendent of Phoenix Elementary School District #1 from 2002 – 2005 after having spent 30 years in Phoenix Union High School District as a counselor, principal, assistant superintendent and as superintendent for the last seven of those 30 years. He also worked for the Arizona Department of Education, was the Executive Director of the Wallace Leadership Grant and served as the Executive Director of the Arizona Hispanic Administrators Association. He is a native of Arizona and graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He earned a Bachelor and Master of Arts and Ed.D. from Arizona State University.
diazrx.1@live.com
David Kohne
David is a Director KPMG’s (KPMG LLP) Risk Assurance practice with more 12 years of professional integrated assurance experience. He concentrates his professional services across the full life cycle of risk management assurance, including internal audit, information technology, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance and IPO readiness. He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Accountancy, and served on the Foundation’s board for a number of years prior to re-joining in April 2018. He is also an active board member for the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. In his free time he enjoys volunteering within the community and spending time with his family.
dkohne@kpmg.com
Mel Tepeyac, Website
Melissa Tepeyac is the founder of two companies, Mevios Media, a bilingual media company dedicated to producing educational and healthcare media that bridges the gap between English and Spanish speakers. She is also the founder of The Velvet Emerald, a vintage jewelry retailer that focuses on sustainability in fashion.
Originally from Arizona, Melissa Tepeyac is an active member of her community and is deeply committed to social justice and community engagement. Her advocacy for students with disabilities, inspired by her Autistic son with Down syndrome, has led her to work on a number of initiatives aimed at creating positive change in education.
Through her work, she has become a respected voice in the field and has earned recognition for her contributions by leaders in the community.
Melissa has studied Health Information Technology and has pursued additional education in Data Analytics. Her expertise in these fields has enabled her to make informed decisions in her businesses and drive their success.