Cameron Quick is a managing member of USFRC, LLC (Facility Resource Center or “FRC”). His firm is contracted by TCSC to provide support needed to perform the daily operations of the organization. Their firm brings a unique background of business and operations support, financial and facility advising, educational leadership, and national facilities ecosystems that help to make the center operate more efficiently.
Cameron and the FRC have spent over 15 years supporting charter schools across the country. In that time, he and his team have launched state specific Facility Resource Centers across the country, supporting over 700 charter school projects. In the past five years the FRC has brought over $2 billion in facility resources to the charter sector across the country, and continues to be a lead facility expert for national programs and federal grants designed to support charter schools navigating the real estate process. Cameron is a founding member of the Charter School Facility Center and a co-owner of Starling Impact Advisors, LLC and a licensed commercial real estate broker.
Elizabeth Fiveash is the Chief Executive Officer for the Tennessee Charter School Center. Prior to joining TCSC, Elizabeth worked in state government relations for ACT and was the Assistant Commissioner for Policy & Legislation for the Tennessee Department of Education. A native of Alabama, she worked in government affairs for eight years in Washington, D.C., before moving to Nashville. Elizabeth holds a BA in political science from the University of Alabama and a master’s in public policy from Georgetown University.
Emily Lilley is a proud representative of East Tennessee, and believes all students should have the opportunity to attend an excellent school, no matter where they live. As Vice President of External Affairs, Emily leads TCSC’s communication and external partnership efforts, managing the team’s work in stakeholder and supporter engagement, development, and communications. Prior to this role, Emily served as TCSC’s Director of Government Relations, leading the organization’s efforts to develop and advocate for policies supporting a public charter school sector focused on quality. In her seven years with TCSC, the policy team saw wins including the defeat of all negative legislation regarding public charter schools, the establishment of a state facilities grant fund for public charter schools, establishment of a statewide appellate charter school authorizer, and strengthening of policies that ensure public charter schools are held accountable equitably. Emily’s ongoing work at TCSC serves to continue to increase understanding about public charter schools in Tennessee and build productive relationships with stakeholders, supporters, and policy makers across the state.
After graduating with a teaching degree, Emily taught in Atlanta, followed by several years working as an editor in her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. A 2012 stint as the communications director for a successful congressional re-election campaign in Georgia led her to return to Tennessee to work in education policy and advocacy.
Emily has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History from Auburn University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading and sharing new fiction @thebookandcover, trying new cocktail recipes, and playing with her miniature dachshund, Bertram.
Carra Powell is a leading advocacy, policy and community grassroots organizer. Her work has influenced the school choice conversation at the national, state and local level. Her nearly 20 year education career has honed her skills and expanded her knowledge base in preparation for the role of Sr. Vice President of Advocacy for the Tennessee Charter School Center.
Most recently, Carra worked as the Director of Enrollment and Community Engagement to found and recruit families for Compass Community Schools, a six school charter network in Memphis, TN. Carra has also worked with the American Federation for Children, Jubilee Catholic Schools, and the Black Alliance for Educational Options.
Carra believes that all children should have access to a high quality education regardless of their zip code. She has dedicated her professional career to advancing choice-friendly policies that empower children and parents. Beyond her professional roles, Carra enjoys spending time with her three children, leading parenting classes, volunteering at her church, and playing with her two dogs.
Kim West is the Office Coordinator and Special Assistant to the CEO.Prior to joining the center, she was the Associate Program Manager forthe Vanderbilt Medical Center Operations Improvement Department whereshe was in charge of providing administrative support for a staff of19 and brings over a decade of office coordination and administrativesupport.
She earned a B.A. from Trevecca Nazarene University and is a Nashvillenative. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, making jewelry andspending time with her grandson.
His research has appeared in several peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Teacher Education, Teaching and Teacher Education, Teachers and Teaching, Educational Policy Analysis Archives, and the Social Science Journal. His work has also appeared in several popular media outlets including the Brookings Institution’s Brown Center Chalkboard, Arizona PBS, the Arizona Republic, as well as numerous presentations to state and local boards.
Prior to a career in research, Robert was a classroom teacher in Phoenix, AZ where he developed innovative music programs designed to engage at-risk youth. He is the author of “Fresh Beats: A Standards-Based Hip-Hop Curriculum” available through Alfred Music and has presented on the intersection of popular music, music education, and adolescent identity development at venues across the country.
Robert earned a PhD in education policy analysis and evaluation from Arizona State University.
