Meet our
Board of Directors
Dolores Gresham | Chair
Dolores Gresham returned to Tennessee after retirement from the United States Marine Corps. She then served for nearly two decades as a state representative and senator, ultimately chairing the Senate Education Committee for her three terms in that chamber while also serving on the Agriculture and Commerce committees.” During that time, Tennessee K-12 students made unprecedented progress. Dolores and her husband, Will, live on their cattle farm in Fayette County, TN. Dolores holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of the Incarnate Word and masters degrees from Loyola University New Orleans and The George Washington University.
Michelle Garcia
Michelle Garcia has lived in Murfreesboro since 1996. She has over 20 years of experience in senior level management, independent management consulting, and small business ownership. She is currently the Director of Finance & Administration for Men of Valor, a Tennessee prison ministry and aftercare program. She co-founded Rutherford Students First and has worked with Latinos for Tennessee and the Hispanic Organization of Leaders and Achievers. Michelle is a Middle Tennessee State University alumnus, a military wife, and the proud mother of two sons.
Joey Hale
Joey Hale is a business coach and culture builder, he brings his expertise and experience to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential. He is the president of 731 Business Services, LLC, and serves as the Commissioner for Madison County. He is the owner/principal broker of a local real estate firm and is co-owner of a ServePro franchise. Hale has faithfully served 20+ years in the US Air Force. Hale works with and serves on the board of many organizations serving Jackson-Madison County residents. He cherishes spending quality time with his wife, Katie, and their two children.
Dennis Pearson
Dennis Pearson is an Associate Professor of Economics and Statistics at Austin Peay State University. He is a board member for Clarksville Sunrise Rotary International, a graduate of Leadership Clarksville, and was previously on the board of the American Red Cross. Together, Dennis and his wife have four children. He earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and bachelors and masters degrees from Western Kentucky University.
Tricia Stickel
Tricia Stickel spent 25 years helping children and others as an emergency room and pediatric nurse, a clinical instructor for paramedics, and as an administrator. She retired to Maury County and serves as an election commissioner. Tricia enjoys spending time gardening, participating in her church community and politics, and being with friends.
Darrell Woodard
Darrell Woodard was born and raised in Springfield,Tennessee. Darrell was successfully self-employed for 25 years and currently serves as a county commissioner. He is an active community volunteer for afterschool programs and a board member for the Bransfield Community Center Project. He has been married for 40 years and has two children and five grandchildren. Mr. Woodard was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner.
Board Meetings
February 19, 2024
Board Meeting at 10:00 AM
Meeting Link Or call 312-626-6799; Meeting ID 823 0019 4889; Passcode: 570447
Public Records Requests
Please send your request to [email protected]
Now Hiring K-12 Teachers
Interested in being an educator at ACAR? We are now hiring teachers grades K-5. Join us in our mission to train the minds and develop the characters of our students!
