Board of Directors
Bessie Harris, President
Bessie Harris has actively educated students for 32 years. She has served in many roles during her career. She has been a Special Education and Resource Teacher, she has lead schools in administrative positions such as Assistant Principal and Principal. She has come up through the ranks providing service and leadership to students, staff, parents, and the community. She is the mother of 3 sons which she affectionately calls “My 3 Sons”. She has two daughter-in-loves and 3 granddaughters. Her Focus: Students, achievement, staff, parents, and transparency. All of her decisions will be made with students in mind.
Ms. Poole has served on the Board of Directors since 2017. Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, a Master’s in Education Leadership and Policy Studies, enhanced by a K-12 Administrators Certificate from Wayne State University, and is currently pursuing an Education Specialist Certificate in Learning Design and Technology. She has worked in Higher Education for over 16 years.
Having a passion for education and diversity, Tina’s professional portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of expertise, management, and leadership experience, inclusive of charter school management, higher education, donor relations, project management, research, grant writing, and the non-profit sector. Tina has traveled nationally as a speaker and lecturer. She demonstrates efficacy in her work ethics and is known for dealing with sensitive matters with transparency, clarity, diplomacy, and integrity.
Regina Walker, Treasurer
Ms. Walker has served on PACE Academy’s Board of Directors since 2021. She is currently studying as a student with Kaplan University for her Certified Financial Planner designation. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University, Master of Science Management from Walsh College and holds the designation of RICP The College of Financial Services. She has worked in the financial services industry with Prudential Advisors for over 15 years. Ms. Walker’s belief is that education is not a luxury, rather a necessity and additional knowledge can be achieved at any age. She also believes education is the key in all aspects of life, whether a young impressionable child or an adult. Just as it is her purpose to ensure her clients are prepared for the financial goals they set for themselves, she also believes our children should be properly prepared for the future opportunities that lie ahead for them.
Ms. Walker enjoys the opportunity of giving back to her community. The joy of Ms. Walker’s life are her two natural-born daughters and the many additional children that call her mom.
Harriett Rice, Member
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