Board Members

Name Position Board Member Since Current Charter Affiliations
Eric Freeman Chair 2015 Vanguard Academy
Darren Jenkins Founding Member 2014 Vanguard Academy
Daniel Jessop Member 2022 Vanguard Academy
Scott Kingston Vice-Chair 2015 Vanguard Academy
Debby Llewelyn Member 2022 Vanguard Academy
Kimly Mangum Founding Member 2011 Vanguard Academy
Grace Mitchell Treasurer & Founding Member 2011 Vanguard Academy
Brad Nelson Member 2022 Vanguard Academy
Benjamin Robinson Member 2022 Vanguard Academy

Eric Freeman – Chair

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@nameerf.cire

Eric Freeman graduated from the University of Utah in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He has worked in STEM fields in the semiconductor and defense industries for the past 15 years. He has been involved in engineering and technology projects that have brought him to countries around the world. He is able to bring a diverse engineering perspective to the Vanguard board.


Dr. Darren Jenkins – Board Member

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@sniknej.nerrad

Dr. Darren Jenkins is currently a physician and owner of Health First Family Medicine & Pediatrics in West Jordan, which has been serving the local community’s health needs since 2010.  Dr. Darren Jenkins attended Medical School at ATSU Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a Family Practice Residency at Kingman Regional Medical Center in Arizona and is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Jenkins was born and raised in Utah and attended the University of Utah where he earned two bachelor’s degrees in Medicinal Chemistry and Medical Technology.  Prior to medical school, he worked for two years at Jordan Valley Hospital Laboratory as a Medical Technologist.  He also marketed 3D computer animation software for human anatomy while working at Virtual Anatomy for five years.  Dr. Darren Jenkins has contributed to the development of Vanguard Academy from its inception and has looked forward to sending his children to Vanguard for superior education. Family is an important part of Dr. Jenkins’ life and he spends most of his free time with his kids, helping them with homework, exercising, coaching sports, playing softball, biking, and other outdoor activities.


Daniel Jessop – Board Member

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@possej.nad

Daniel is a Licensed Journeyman Electrician and senior HVAC Mechanic with expertise in the Facility Automation field. As a highly qualified technical professional, Daniel understands the importance of vocational training opportunities for students, and his knowledge and experience will enhance the STEAM focus of the Vanguard Academy board of directors. When Daniel is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children; he especially enjoys outdoor activities such as camping hunting, fishing, and ATVs. His other interests include the arts, visiting museums, and studying history.


Scott Kingston – Vice Chair

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@notsgnik.ttocs

Scott Kingston is a results-and-solutions-driven professional with outstanding planning and execution skills. After graduating from the University of Utah with a double Bachelor’s in Accounting and Information Systems, Scott went on to obtain his Master’s of Business Administration from the U and Master of Digital Marketing from Manchester University UK. He also maintains his CPA license with the State of Utah. With more than 20 years of business experience and leadership on boards for both profit and non-profit entities, Scott provides valuable business process support to Vanguard Academy.


Debby Llewelyn – Board Member

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@nylewell.ybbed

Debby Llewelyn graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development. Upon graduation, she received her Social Service Worker license and worked as an investigator for Child Protective Services for 2 years. Debby has been involved with Utah charter schools since 2006 as a parent, FSO President, and Board Member (including 5+ years as a board chair). Debby currently works for the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) as the Director of Operations. She helped develop and implement the UAPCS mentoring and training program. Debby also volunteers with the Utah Youth Football Conference, serving on the Executive Board. Debby and her husband have 4 children and enjoy traveling when it’s not football season.


Kimly C. Mangum – Board Member

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@mugnam.ylmik

Kimly C Mangum graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1981 and a Master of Architecture in 1991. He is a genuine STEAM professional. Creativity, problem-solving, and project completion are his professional passions. He has had his own engineering and architecture consulting firm for the last 26 years. Has been a privilege to have worked on a wide variety of projects from Structural Engineer on the Energy Solutions Arena (Delta Center), Systems Engineer for the Solid Rocket Booster redesign for NASA’s Space Shuttle, Architect of the local Kahdeeja Islamic Mosque, and Project Manager on $16M pilot plant at Kennecott Utah Copper Mine. Kim is the father of six children and seven grandchildren and enjoys spending time with them, hiking, traveling, eating, or just relaxing. He is a Founding Board Member of Vanguard Academy and excited about continuing efforts to make each student a success.


Grace Mitchell – Treasurer

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@llehctim.ecarg

Grace Mitchell is a licensed certified public accountant and has been in the accounting industry for over 25 years. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s in Science of Accounting and later with a Master’s in Business Administration. Grace owns her own accounting firm, which specializes in tax consulting, auditing, and accounting. She has been involved in accounting for non-profit organizations, organizing fundraisers, and is a founding member of Vanguard Academy. She is a devoted mother and actively involved in her children’s education. Grace has a passion for music and is an accomplished violinist. She participated for many years in “Music From the Heart Children’s Orchestra”, a non-profit organization devoted to teaching underprivileged kids to read music and play instruments. Grace also enjoys outdoor activities, swimming, and spending time with her family.


Brad Nelson – Board Member

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@noslen.darb


Benjamin Robinson – Board Member

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@nosnibor.neb

Ben is an experienced General Manager focused on quality results. He consistently delivers results and takes pride in his work. Ben has managed 100s of large projects and brings years of hands-on experience to Vanguard Academy’s STEAM focus and college and career pathways. Learning must be applied to achieve mastery, and Ben is a great example of this. Family is Ben’s top priority and loves to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. When not spending time with family, Ben enjoys golfing and traveling.


Joy Palmer – Board Clerk

gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@remlap.yoj

Board Minutes are available here or upon request. Please submit a request to gro.retrahcdraugnavnull@ofni or in person at the school.