Carly Bodmer

Executive Director

Carly Bodmer began her career as a Post Production Audio Manager and Producer in the film industry. She then led several tech and compliance companies to success, as a Sales Director. She began working with banks and corporate accounts through education assistance programs and saw the need to provide a program to guide the process better. She holds an MA in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, and completed her undergrad at Northern Arizona University.

Bodmer is a mother, and coaches swim team in Paradise Valley. She has volunteered through mentorship programs in the arts and has also spent years as a volunteer ski and snowboard instructor through Adaptive Sports in Telluride, CO. Bodmer provided ski lessons for adults and children with physical and cognitive challenges.

Kyla Bennett

Legal Counsel

Kyla Bennett is an experienced attorney with a passion for educational equity. Currently, Kyla practices civil litigation.

Previously, Kyla served as a lead attorney for Washington state's K-12 education agency. In addition to practicing law, Kyla is a former educator and taught 5th grade students in an economically disadvantaged school district. Kyla has a passion for learning, and has earned an undergraduate degree in sociology, a Juris Doctor (J.D.), and a teaching certificate from the University of Washington.

Thomas Patrick

Treasurer

Thomas Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) focusing primarily as a member of the Financial Services group, providing audit and advisory solutions to financial institutions. He has significant experience working with private and public companies that encompass a wide range of assets specializing in financial statement audits, SEC reporting, integrated audits, and consulting services.

Thomas is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Indiana CPA Society, and Arizona CPA Society. Additionally, he volunteers with several community organizations and has a passion for giving back to his community by helping those faced with a variety of needs and challenges.

Thomas earned his Master’s of Professional Accounting and Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Butler University.

Mara Pernick

Corporate Communications Director

Mara Pernick serves as the President of MGP Consulting, a public affairs and marketing firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 20 years of executive level experience in government, business, and economic development, Mara helps her clients to navigate today’s rapidly changing business world. With an emphasis on assisting international companies and promoting foreign direct investment (FDI), MGP Consulting connects investors, companies, and non-profit organizations to opportunities in the United States and abroad .

Prior to founding MGP Consulting, Mara served as the Vice President of Business Development for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) where she assisted companies evaluating the Greater Phoenix region for corporate expansion. In addition, Mara worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative advisor to both US Senator Dennis DeConcini (AZ) and US Representative Benjamin Gilman (NY) .

Mara graduated from the University of Arizona and earned an MBA from George Mason University .

Mara is involved in several community and non-profit organizations. As an Arizona native, Mara is committed to making our community the best it can be.