OUR BOARD AND STAFF

Jeff Geihs serves as the Executive Director of the Nevada Association of School Administrators and holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Silver State Education Foundation. His passion for education has made him a respected and influential figure in the field, and he continues to inspire and motivate educators to strive for excellence in their work. Jeff is a seasoned education leader who has dedicated his career to improving student outcomes and turning around low-performing schools. With over 20 years of experience in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff has held various leadership positions, including School Associate Superintendent for the Turnaround Zone. During his tenure as School Associate Superintendent, Jeff oversaw 25 schools with approximately 30,000 students and successfully turned around 16 low-performing schools within the district. Jeff's focus on innovative approaches and strategic planning has yielded positive results in improving student outcomes, including a significant increase in the high school graduation rate, as well as consistent yearly increases in English Language Arts and math proficiency. Jeff has also played a vital role in expanding pre-school, after-school, and summer programming and fostering public-private partnerships tied to student achievement gains. Jeff's expertise in identifying the lowest-performing schools within the district, migrating them to the Turnaround Zone for four years of treatment, and exiting them from Turnaround status due to their improved academic growth has made him a sought-after education leader.

Lou Markouzis is a highly respected educator and proud principal at Canyon Springs High School - The Leadership and Law Preparatory Academy. He aslo serves as the President of the Nevada Association of School Administrators. With over 26 years of experience in education, Lou is a passionate advocate for creating a positive and nurturing learning environment that helps students thrive. In addition to his role as principal, Lou is currently serving as the President of NASA, the Nevada Association of School Administrators. In this capacity, he works tirelessly to improve the quality of education across the state and to provide support and resources to administrators and educators. Lou has had a remarkable career in education, including the unique opportunity to be part of the creation of the Clark County School District's Turnaround Zone. As an Administrative Assistant for the Academic Manager, he helped to develop the leadership foundation and experience necessary to move and grow an organization. He also attended the University of Virginia School of Business at Darden and Harvard University, where he furthered his leadership skills and learned to approach education and leadership from a transformative fashion. Lou's dedication to education has had a direct and significant impact on the underperforming schools he has led and the communities he serves. In his current role as an elementary school principal, he has had the opportunity to renovate and revive one of the lowest performing elementary schools in the State of Nevada. Within only two years, he helped inspire double digit growth in student proficiency across grade levels and academic areas, a testament to his visionary leadership. Lou Markouzis is a true leader in education, inspiring excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. His tireless commitment to excellence makes him a role model for educators and administrators alike.

Kenneth M. Bird Ed. D previously served as Superintendent of Westside Community Schools in Omaha, Nebraska from 1992 until May 2008, and he also held various administrative positions with Westside Community Schools since 1981. Prior to 1981, he was employed by the Nebraska Department of Education and as a special education teacher at Westside Community School. He is active in local, state and national professional organizations as a member of various advisory councils, committees and task forces. Dr. Bird serves as a director or trustee on a number of civic boards, and he has been the recipient of several professional, leadership and community service awards. Dr. Bird is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Avenue Scholars.

Toba Cohen-Dunning worked from 1989 to 2000 for US Senator J. James Exon and then US Senator J. Robert Kerrey. From 2000 to 2006, she served as Director of Development for the Boys Town National Research Hospital. In 2006, Toba was hired as Associate Executive Director of the Omaha Public Schools Foundation and became Executive Director in 2010. The Foundation not only raises dollars beyond the general budget of the largest urban school district in the State of Nebraska, but also operates the parent-pay before and after school childcare program (Kids Club), as well as six parent-pay Early Childhood classrooms as the District works toward universal early childhood. Toba served as president of the National Association of Public Schools Foundations (2019- 2021), the charitable arm of the National Association of Education Foundations. She serves on the National Association of Education Foundations board which develops and promotes best practices for education foundations to increase community investment and strengthen the K-12 education foundation industry across the United States. Toba is one of the founding members of the Nebraska Association of Public Schools Foundations which serves over 50 school districts across the state. She is actively involved on a variety of local boards in the Omaha community including the Institute for Holocaust Education and the Samuel L Bak Museum at the University of NE at Omaha.

Anthony Nuñez currently serves as the principal of Cheyenne High School in the Clark County School District. From 2004-2009 Mr. Nuñez served as a 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teacher, behavior mentor, and interventionist. Mr. Nuñez began his administrative career in 2009 and worked at the elementary, middle school, and high school level in this capacity. Mr. Nuñez has successfully lead both an elementary school and middle school through district-sponsored transformation efforts. Mr. Nuñez actively works in the education community to improve they system for educators, students, students, and families. Mr. Nuñez is a member of the Principal Advisory Cabinet for Nevada’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 2021 Mr. Nuñez was elected President of the Nevada Association of School Administrators’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. Mr. Nuñez grew up in the Midwest, spending the majority of his time in the Chicago area. He moved to Las Vegas after attending college Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and was a member of the inaugural Teach For America Las Vegas Valley Corps.

Rick is the President of the Nevada Central Office Association (NCOA), he is a dedicated leader committed to advancing educational excellence. He is also a board member within The Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA).

Greta Peay joined the Clark County School District (CCSD) in 1987, following eight impressive years of service within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, Charlotte, North Carolina. She has dedicated thirty-nine years of service to the education profession. During her career, she served in several roles- elementary school level teacher and principal, middle school language arts teacher, Literacy and English Language Learner Specialist, Regional Professional Development Trainer of Southern Nevada, Director of Human Resources Support Staff Recruitment, and Equity and Diversity Education Director. She retired from the Clark County School District as the Chief Instructional Services Officer where she was responsible for:  Assessment, Accountability, Research and School Improvement  Adult Education and Alternative Education  Athletics and Fine Arts  CCSD Charter Schools  College and Career Readiness  Curriculum and Professional Development  English Language Learner Programs  Equity and Diversity Education  Grants Department, Inclusive of Title I and Title II Federal Grants  Indian Education Opportunities Program  Magnet Schools  Student Services Division, Special Education Greta is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Infinity: Diversity Matters, LLC. She is also the Deputy Executive Director- Nevada Association of School Administrators. In addition to advocating for equity and social justice, she spends her time being a great wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and a loyal friend to many. Greta is well known for mentoring and coaching others to reach their leadership potential with a focus on assisting women of color, and individuals of diverse backgrounds. She has mentored approximately 200 individuals over a 15-year period! She is well known for her energy, radiant smile, and being a TRAILBLAZER! HONORS and AWARDS: The Marquis Who’s Who Publications Board, 2020-2021 The Public Education Foundation Educator Hero Award, 2020-2021 The Champion of Educational Equity- City of Las Vegas, 2022 Excellence in Education: Dr. Stella Parson, 2018 Parent Citywide Impactful Women Trailblazer in Education, 2018 District Level Administrator of the Year- National Association of School Boards, 2016 Public Education Executive Leadership Academy, 2015 Educator of the Year - Black Caucus, 2013 Clark County School District Chief of Police Outstanding Leader Award, 2011 Clark County School District Hall of Fame, 2000 Minority Affairs Excellence in Education Award, 1989 Who’s Who Among Educators, 1980 Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. A Public Service Sorority, 1975

Mrs. Bridget Bilbray-Phillips is the current Acting President of Silver State Education Foundation. A non-profit foundation focused on increasing and retaining teachers in the State of Nevada. In August 2021, Bridget created Student Focused Solutions, LLC and serves as the Chief Executive officer. In this capacity she works with successful and struggling public and private schools, assisting in the development of strong instructional leaders, strategic planning, and the implementation of arts integration strategies. Bridget was the founding principal for Doral Academy of Nevada and retired on July 31, 2021, as the Chief Academic & Operations Officer. Doral Academy, an arts integrated charter school, opened its doors in August of 2013. The second Doral campus opened in Mountain’s Edge in August of 2014, the third Doral Campus opened in the northwest area of the valley in August 2015, the fourth campus opened in the Summerlin area in August of 2016, and the fifth campus opened in southwest Las Vegas in August of 2017. Bridget was formerly the Director of the School-Community Partnership Program for the Clark County School District for six years. In this position she was responsible for connecting business and community resources to Clark County School District schools. In this role she developed partnerships with non-profit community organizations such as Three Square, Communities In Schools, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Bridget received an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from University of Arizona. She earned a graduate degree in School Administration from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Bridget began teaching in a private school in Las Vegas in 1982. She started teaching for the Clark County School District in 1985. During her time in the Clark County School District she worked as a Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director. As Principal, she was awarded the PTA Lynel Cunningham Site Administrator Award and was one of three finalists submitted to the State of Nevada as the Elementary National Distinguished Principal. She was a 2010 recipient of President Obama’s HOPE Award for Education. Bridget was recognized by the Latin Chamber of Commerce for her support of youth and education programs in 2011.

Wayne Lawson serves as Vice President of Technology and Innovation, bringing over a decade of experience in educational technology to deliver transformative solutions for schools. In his current role at CDW, he leads initiatives that advance technology integration to enhance teaching and improve student outcomes. As a trusted advisor to the Silver State Education Foundation, Wayne plays a pivotal role in the Homegrown Teacher Program—a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and coaching future educators. Through this work, he helps address the critical teacher shortage in Southern Nevada, fostering a stronger and more sustainable educational landscape for the region.

Kendall Tenney, a former Emmy award-winning Las Vegas news anchor, serves as the Vice President of Community and Government Relations for the Silver State Education Foundation. This non-profit addresses Southern Nevada’s teacher shortage through its Homegrown Teacher Program, coaching and mentoring students to become teachers in Nevada. Leveraging his media expertise, Tenney enhances the foundation’s outreach and engagement efforts. The program provides aspiring educators with guidance and resources to pursue teaching careers. His role strengthens community and government connections to support the foundation’s mission of building a robust educator pipeline.

Diane Reitz serves as the Director of Grants for the Silver State Education Foundation, where she plays a crucial role in securing funding to support the organization’s mission of addressing the teacher shortage in southern Nevada.

Chris Phillips, known as Zowie Bowie, is a celebrated Las Vegas entertainer with over 20 years of experience, renowned for his high-energy performances blending contemporary hits and classic Vegas vibes. A multiple "Best of Las Vegas" award-winner, he has headlined thousands of shows at iconic venues like Red Rock Resort and Caesars Palace. As the new Director of Entertainment for the Silver State Education Foundation, a non-profit addressing Southern Nevada's teacher shortage through its Homegrown Teacher Program, Phillips will leverage his dynamic stage presence to create engaging events that support the foundation’s mission of coaching and mentoring students to become teachers in Nevada.

Sgt. Maj. Gary Schoolfield (Ret.) brings a lifetime of leadership and service to his role as a Homegrown Career Coach. After an accomplished military career, he joined the Silver State Education Foundation’s Student-to-Teacher Pipeline Program, serving at Canyon Springs High School and across Southern Nevada. Gary is a dedicated mentor and role model, guiding aspiring educators with wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support. His commitment to helping students reach their full potential has made a lasting impact on the lives and careers of the cohorts he serves.

Butch Heiss, a dedicated career educator, joins the Silver State Education Foundation as the Career Coach for the Homegrown Teacher Program. With a passion for nurturing young minds, Butch brings extensive experience in education to guide and mentor students. His role will focus on empowering kids through personalized coaching, fostering their growth, and inspiring them to pursue careers in education, helping shape the next generation of teachers.

Dillon Booker is our Ambassador and is helping with our Student-to-Teacher Pipeline Program, bringing a passion for education, leadership, and community service to the role. A 2022–2023 Teach Plus Nevada Policy Fellow, Dillon has served as a resource English Language Arts teacher leader for grades 9–12 at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas, as well as a content creator and instructional planner. His leadership extends beyond the classroom through service on the school’s Instructional Leadership Team, Accreditation Team, and Student Wellness and Intervention Team. Committed to empowering others, Dillon also serves as Treasurer for the Las Vegas Diamond Foundation and Vice President of the Las Vegas Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He holds a BA in Political Science and an MEd in Special Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.