John Grice, Board Chair

Aspen Public School's Board Chair, Mr. John Grice, is an international businessman, with experience managing large groups, with extensive knowledge in investment banking and project management.

After moving to the United States from Singapore, he and his wife enrolled their 3 children as Aspen Valley Prep. For the past 10 years, Mr. Grice has continued to support Aspen Public Schools vision of developing exceptional leaders.

Carlos Huerta

Carlos is the Associate Director at Fresno Pacific University’s Center for Community Transformation. He spends most of his days working with entrepreneurs, community benefit organizations and churches to support their work in our community. Carlos is also an alum of FPU (Go Sunbirds!).

Previously, Carlos directed a local non-profit that worked with schools across the country developing parent engagement programs, as well as another role with an international marketing firm working in both marketing and sales.

Carlos is originally from the little-big town of Caruthers, California, but now resides in Fresno. You will find Carlos in his free time engaging in philanthropic work in the city as well rooting for the Dodgers.

Mark Snee

Mark Snee serves as the lead pastor for City Church in Fresno, bringing with him 18 years of valuable experience in non-profit organizations. Mark's expertise lies in working with students ranging from middle school to college level, with recent involvement in collaborative efforts with the Fresno Mission's City Center. He earned his degree in Biblical Studies from Eternity Bible College in Simi Valley, California.

Mark resides in Fresno with his wife, Caitlin, and their six children, embodying a deep commitment to his family and community through pastoral leadership and extensive engagement with non-profit initiatives. As a part of Aspen Ridge Community Schools, he coaches an intramural sports league once per week with the students

Alicia Varela

Ms Alicia Varela is currently the Director of Children's Ministry at the Word Community Church, and is experienced in Non-profit Organizations and Volunteer Management.

Previously, Ms. Varela served as a Program Support Specialist at the Fresno Rescue Mission for 6 years while acquiring a degree in Organizational Leadership from Fresno Pacific University.

Alicia enjoys volunteering, philanthropy and spending time with family. She enjoys mentoring the young people and is passionate about seeing them grow and succeed.

Renee Dayton

Renee Dayton has experience as Senior Program/Project Manager, Director of Operations, and Adjunct Professor for fortune 500 business, non-profits, and education institutions with over 30 years comprehensive experience, including staff hiring, retention, and development, budget development and management, program protocol/procedure development, and equity in education and community.

Ms. Dayton is an experienced advocate for equity and inclusion with proven experience collaborating with community members to conduct strategic planning in order to support and further organizational objectives. She comes to Aspen with a broad knowledge of leadership of business and educational organizations, including strategic planning and development.