Laura Calhoun is the President of the CEC Governing Board, on which she has served as a Colorado Springs Early College (CSEC) representative since 2007. Laura served as the Secretary of the Governing Board before being elected President in January 2018 and is elected to serve until 2022. Laura’s daughter was a part of the first graduating class that started as a freshman and graduated with her associate’s degree. Laura brings to the board over 30 years of customer service experience, 15 years of administration experience, and over 15 years of experience developing and training leaders. Laura has an extensive background of involvement in reaching out to the minority community of Colorado Springs. She is the founder and Senior Pastor of Restored Life Church and Restored Life Family Resource Center. Laura graduated from Colorado State University-Pueblo with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology.

Terry McDonald is the Vice President of the Governing Board and has been a CEC Parker (CECP) representative on the Board since 2015, elected to serve until 2022. Terry, and his wife Colleen, enrolled their son at CECP after hearing about its success through community connections. Terry and his family witnessed first-hand the educational impact and opportunity CEC provides students as their son graduated high school not only with a high school diploma, but also with an associate degree. Terry is a customer experience specialist, technology sales executive, and leader of Telus International contact center practice.

Art has served on the CEC Governing Board as Board Treasurer since July 2015 and is elected to serve until 2021. He has served on the CEC Building Corporation Board in various roles since January 2012. Art is also a retired Navy Flight Officer and served 23 years on active duty and in the Navy Reserve. His years of travel for business, Navy, and ministry to more than 40 countries have given him a broad worldview and sensitivity to other cultures. Art brings more than 30 years of business experience to the governing board.

Jessie joined the CEC Governing Board in 2019 and is elected to serve to 2021. Jessie was an active member of the Colorado Early Colleges Colorado Springs School Accountability Committee, and was appointed to the CECFC Building Corp. Currently, Jessie is President of the CEC Building Corporation. Jessie has a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and has worked for Fincor Electronics and Digital Equipment Corporation. Jessie currently works at the United States Air Force Academy.

Larry joined the CEC Governing Board in April 2021 and is elected to serve to 2024. Larry is the owner of Commit2Grow, a business that implements strategies to increase revenue for their clients.  Larry brings over 25 years of extensive experience in marketing, sales, and business development specializing in government contracts.  He has been a key aspect of growth and marketing strategies that drive sales and increase customers.  Within sales management, Larry has designed and created customer relations management software to track and measure new market segments and revenue growth.  Larry has also planned and executed all areas associated with starting up businesses.   He also worked for Avalis Wayfinding Solutions, Lighthouse Ready, Front Range Internet, and Renfrow Bothers where his role was management and in some cases on the executive team.

Fish has served on the Governing Board since 2022 and is elected to serve to 2025.  Fish is a Staff Systems Engineer/Quality Engineer with Lockheed Martin Spaces Systems Company and works on NASA’s ARTEMIS/Orion Project at the Orion Test labs.  Fish was born in Eritrea.  He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He serves on the Board of Directors for the African Leadership Group and as a Chair for the Leadership Africa leadership training program. Fish is the Co-founder and Executive Director of American and African Consulting Group and American and African Investment, and is the  Founder and Executive Director of American and African STEM and Life Skill Training International Center. Fish is an Elder, teacher, and preacher at the Bethel Eritrean Church in Colorado. Fish brings over 25 years of technical knowledge and quality leadership  experience in serving in workplace and in the community with servant hood attitude in building strong foundation for the future generation.

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