Governing Board

Howard Headlee

Appointed in 2012, was an original founding member of the American Preparatory Academy charter school in Utah, and served as chairman of the APA Governing Board. Mr. Headlee has an Accounting degree and an MBA from the University of Utah and is currently the President of the Utah Bankers Association.

Gwendolyn Horton

Gwendolyn Hortin, appointed in 2020, is one of the newest members of the board after having searched for a school like American Preparatory Academy. Mrs. Hortin graduated from BYU in Business Management and spent several years managing operations teams in manufacturing and banking. She currently enjoys her favorite job of all, stay at home mother.

Stephen Smith

Appointed in 2020, is the parent of two daughters who attend APA. He owns a full-service video production company, working with clients like Little Caesars, Facebook, and the University of Utah. Mr. Smith has a degree in Multimedia Communications Technology from Utah Valley University and also serves on Utah Ad Federation board.

KEVIN MCVICAR

The regional Educational Specialist for Audio Enhancement working with school and teachers to integrate audio and visual technologies in the classroom to improve the quality of instruction. With an M.A. in Educational Leadership and 15 years as an Instructional Coach and Administrative Director at American Preparatory Schools, he brings passion, energy, and the experience of working directly in American Prep schools with teachers, administrators, and students, supporting the school and its mission. Mr. McVicar joined the Foundation in 2020 after retiring from the day-to-day operations of the schools.

Brian Hanks

Appointed in 2020, has four children enrolled at APA after an exhaustive search for the best school fit for his children. Mr. Hanks has an undergraduate degree from BYU and a masters from the University of Michigan. He is an author and owns a consulting company, helping dentists buy and sell their businesses.

PEGGY DANIEL

Appointed in 2022, has 2 grandchildren who attended APA and a daughter who teaches at the West Valley 1 campus. She has professionally been involved in fundraising for more than 25 years and has more than 12 years of volunteer experience. Peggy appreciates that APA values and promotes character development of its students and the American ideals of equality and unity. She graduated from BYU with a degree in Youth Leadership/Recreation Management and received her Masters degree from BYU in Non-Profit Administration.

Rachana Hedge

Rachana Hegde is a wife and mother of two wonderful children and is new to APA. She is a periodontist by profession and is the current President of Intermountain Society of Periodontists. She has a private practice limited to periodontics and dental implants in SLC and is also an Associate Professor and Program Director for Periodontics as well as the Director of Implant Education at College of Dental Medicine at Roseman University, South Jordan. Rachana is passionate about education and strongly believes in the sound foundation that the teachers and administration at APA provides for her child. Being a Board member of the American Preparatory Education Foundation, it is her intention to work in areas that would directly benefit the teachers’ salaries and appreciation.