The Utopian Academy for the Arts Governance Board
The Utopian Academy for the Arts Governance Board is committed to providing children with a high-quality education that is focused on rigorous academics, the arts, leadership development, and community service. The UAFA Board oversees the operations of the Utopian Academy for the Arts Charter School Network, The Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary School, The Utopian Academy for the Arts Middle School, The Utopian Academy for the Arts Middle School at Trilith and The Utopian Academy for the Arts High School.
Not Pictured: Steven Garner, UAFA Board, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The board is comprised of a network of servant leaders who volunteer their time to further the mission of Utopian Academy and to ensure that all schools affiliated with the network are financially sustainable, and operate within state and federal guidelines. Board members are selected through an application process and are appointed to serve in the best interests of Utopian Academy students.
The board includes professionals of diverse backgrounds who have the expertise necessary to effectively govern a public charter school network. Some of the board’s noteworthy skills include accounting, arts, education, entrepreneurship, fundraising, human resources, legal services, marketing, nonprofit management, policymaking, and politics.
Meet the UAFA Governance Board
Name: Joshua Menifee
UAFA Board Position: Chair
Board Member Since: 2018
Company: UNCF
Title: Area Development Director
Contact Me: joshua.menifee@utopianacademy.com
Name: Reginald Colbert
UAFA Board Position: Vice Chair
Board Member Since: 2018
Company: Atlanta Public Schools
Title: Retired Educator
Contact Me: reginald.colbert@utopianacademy.com
Name: Terance Madden, Esq.
UAFA Board Position: Member
Board Member Since: 2020
Company: T. Madden & Associates
Title: Partner
Contact Me: terance.madden@utopianacademy.com
Contacting The Governance Board
Public Comment
All meetings of the Utopian Academy for the Arts Governance Board that are not executive sessions are open to the public and welcome public comment during most regularly scheduled meetings.
Individuals who wish to speak during the designated public comment period must sign up in the main office at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the board meeting at which they wish to speak and must be present in-person. Individuals must provide the following information when signing-up to speak: name, city of residence, email address or telephone number, the agenda item or other topic to be addressed and, if applicable, the group or organization the person represents. The in-person requirement shall not apply when matters of health and safety require the Board to restrict public meeting attendance or the meeting is held virtually. If meetings are to be held virtually, individuals who wish to speak must email Judy Richmond (governance board liaison) and/Mr. Joshua Menifee (governance board chair) at the following email addresses: Judy. Richmond@utopianacademy.com and Joshua.menifee@utopianacademy.com
Not Pictured
Name: Steven Garner, CPA
UAFA Board Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Board Member Since: 2018
Company: Deloitte
Title: Senior Manager
Contact Me: steven.garner@utopianacademy.com
Not Pictured
Name: Stephany Walls
UAFA Board Position: Member
Years Serving UAFA: 2021
Company: Atlanta Public Schools
Title: Retired
Contact Me: Stephany.Walls@utopianacademy.com
Not Pictured
Dr. Aquanette Salter
UAFA Board Position: Member
Board Member Since: 2024
Company: DeKalb County Schools
Title: Assistant Principal
Contact Me: aquanette.salter@utopianacademy.com
Not Pictured
Name: Christopher Copeland
UAFA Board Position: Member
Years Serving UAFA: 2021
Company: McKinsey & Company
Title: Management Consultant
Contact Me: Christopher.Copeland@utopianacademy.com
Not Pictured
Name: Gavin McGuire
UAFA Board Position: Member
Years Serving UAFA: 2022
Company: The Grove Park Foundation
Title: Executive Director
Contact Me: gavin.mcguire@utopianacademy.com