Promesa Academy's 
Board of Directors

Hector Garcia

Board President

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Hector E. Garcia brings a wealth of financial expertise and strategic oversight to Promesa Academy, having been in practice as a Certified Public Accountant for over 48 years. Throughout his extensive career managing his own successful CPA practice, he has developed a deep understanding of organizational finance and sustainable growth. Mr. Garcia joined the Promesa Academy Board of Directors in 2023, driven by his profound belief that education is the ultimate key to breaking the cycle of poverty. As Board President, his primary goal is to ensure Promesa continuously strives for a higher level of educational opportunity. He is dedicated to fostering an environment where every student is empowered to overcome barriers and accomplish great things in their lives.

Eliana Rodriguez

Board Vice President

Eliana Rodriguez is a marketing and communications executive with more than 15 years of experience in strategic leadership, brand development, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles across the nonprofit, education, economic development, and private sectors, and currently leads marketing and communications strategy for a national franchise organization. A committed advocate for education and community impact, Eliana is a Founding Board Member who began serving on the Promesa Academy Board of Directors in 2017. She originally joined because she deeply believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their ZIP code or circumstances. Her primary goal is to ensure Promesa continues to provide a supportive, high-quality learning environment so that every student can build the confidence, knowledge, and skills to create the future they envision for themselves.

Denise Ford

Board Secretary

Driven by a commitment to ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality education, Denise Ford joined the Promesa Academy Board of Directors in 2022. She brings extensive leadership experience from her 30-year career in federal service and the military, where she held roles supporting the U.S. security cooperation mission. She has also dedicated 15 years to educating students in public schools. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Reading Education and a Master of Education in Teaching. A lifelong learner with a strong commitment to community service, Ms. Ford actively volunteers with local nonprofits and community service initiatives. Outside of her professional and community endeavors, she enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music, and writing poetry.

Taisiya "Taya" Tselolikhina

Board Member

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Taya Tselolikhina brings more than 15 years of experience in K-12 education, working alongside schools, districts, and education leaders to strengthen systems, build leadership capacity, and create learning experiences that help all students thrive. Throughout her professional career, she has focused on supporting education leaders in turning their vision for every student into meaningful, sustainable practice. She joined the Promesa Academy Board of Directors in 2025 because she deeply believes that access to a high-quality education is one of the most powerful tools we have to advance equity and expand opportunity. As a board member, her primary goal is to help ensure Promesa continues to thrive both academically and operationally so that every student has access to a learning journey where they are seen, supported, challenged, and loved.

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Teranee Hutch

Board Member

Teranee Hutch specializes in K-12 instructional leadership development, school transformation, and strategic academic improvement, having spent the last 15 years working in the education industry. She joined the Promesa Academy Board of Directors in 2026 because she deeply believes every child deserves an exceptional education grounded in strong school culture, effective leadership, and high-quality instruction. When these elements come together, she believes schools become catalysts for opportunity. Her primary goal as a board member is to help ensure Promesa Academy continues to strengthen instructional and operational systems, bolster leadership acumen, and sustain an unwavering commitment to student success. She wants every student to leave Promesa prepared to transcend limitations, uplift their community, create opportunities for others, and become change agents for generations to come.