Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is dedicated to transforming educational opportunities for students in Washington State as part of a larger solution for educational equity and access for all students.

Over the 2019-20 school year, Green Dot Washington transitioned its oversight and on-the-ground operations to support RVLA as a community-centered, standalone school. As such, it is adding greater representation, voice, and expertise from the Seattle community to its Board ensure more local school governance.

As of June 2020, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy is an independent, standalone school to reflect this change.

To access our board meeting agendas and minutes from November 1, 2019 on, please visit our board meeting platform.
Translated documents available upon request. Email [email protected].

If you would like to communicate with the Board of Directors you can email them individually to their emails listed below.
If you have questions about the Board Meetings please email [email protected]

Reco O. Bembry - Board Chair

[email protected]
President and CEO
BCS CORP

Reco O. Bembry's Bio

Mr. Bembry is a graduate of the Community Fellows Program from the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and holds a BFA in music performance and composition from Cornish Institute of Allied Arts.

These studies led him to complete course work with at-risk youth in performing arts at the nationally renowned Madrona Youth Theater and The Computer Museum in Boston. With a focused interest in reducing youth violence Reco received his certification as an Advanced Leadership Trainer in Violence Prevention from the Harvard School of Public Health/EDC, and National Substance Abuse Prevention Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Mr. Bembry continues to work in the field of youth and community development, formerly as the Director of Teen Programs for the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation and was responsible for the development of many innovative programs including Seattle's Late Night Recreation Program duplicated around the country.

Mr. Bembry serves on many regional committees as both member and advisor such as the City of Seattle's Racial Profiling Taskforce, The Office of Juvenile Justice and Prevention. He served as spokesperson for the Late Night Programs during the Democratic National Convention and as a guest on a CBS News feature with David Brinkley's "Three Programs, Three Cities."
Mr. Bembry is the recipient of many awards including the Diamond Award for "Outstanding Community Service," The Commission Award, and the Children's Defense Fund award, for the development of the Teen Anti-Violence Council, The WRPA Teen Services Professional of the Year Award and the Academy of Parks and Recreation Sciences 1999-2000 Article of the Year Award recipient.

Reco Bembry currently serves as a consultant in the private sector with clients such as the Experience Music Museum in Seattle to develop youth education outreach programs and as community relation’s specialist to many National organizations. Recent endeavors include the development of the Teen Life Center and The National Youth Congress which involves youth in program implementation, governance and community development work. Reco Bembry is the founding Executive Director of the Seattle/King County’s City Year program, a national service organization and has recently served as Senior Consultant to the following clients, National Recreation and Parks Association. Among his clients include the University of Baltimore, CLEAR Corps USA, The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, The Seattle Management Association, The Scholars Practitioners Program “a Kellogg Foundation Initiative” The CASA Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. Mr. Bembry recently served as Deputy Director for the City of Oakland Parks and Recreation Department. Founder of StoneBCS Inc. which includes Soap Salts and Sense, RECoach , StoneBCSProductions, Bembry Consulting Services, NevsPlace Transitional Housing Program. Author of many intellectual properties and program architect for multiple youth service agencies. for more information: www.Bembryconsulting.com . [email protected]. 206-850-3626.

Elijah Forde

[email protected]
Attorney
Atlas Law

Elijah Forde's Bio

Elijah Forde is the managing partner at Atlas Law, PS. where he represents injured workers in worker’s compensation and social security matters. He also performs services pro bono for immigration clients. Prior to owning his own firm, Elijah worked for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and Lane Powell, primarily doing workers’ compensation litigation.

Elijah is a former Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Governor for the 9th district, past co-chair for WSBA’s Diversity Committee, and past member of NW Lawyer’s editorial board. He also served as the Loren Miller Bar Association president and vice president prior to serving on the WSBA Board of Governors. Elijah has been admitted to practice law in Washington since 2006.
In his spare time, Elijah enjoys playing music including the drums and the banjo. Elijah is also a certified SCUBA diver, motorcycle enthusiast, and aspiring writer.

Elijah is also a proud parent of an RVLA scholar. This makes RLVA one of the only Washington State Charter schools with a family on the Board of Directors.

Troy Hayman-Board of Director

[email protected]

DESC Case Manager
Compassionate Mental Health Case Manager with DESC, specializing in comprehensive case management and behavioral evaluation. Demonstrated expertise in developing individualized treatment plans and coordinating community resources to enhance client well-being. Proficient in crisis intervention and strategic planning, ensuring clients achieve their goals effectively. Committed to fostering positive outcomes for diverse populations.

Mike Dyal-Treasurer

[email protected]
Financial Planner

Mike Dyal's Bio

Mike Dyal enjoys watching a movie with his spouse & college sweetheart, Keli, taking family trips to hike the mountains or explore the wild Pacific Northwest coastline. One of his favorite places to visit that should be on everyone’s bucket list is the most north-westerly place in the Continental United States: Neah Bay, WA. When he has a moment to himself, he is usually reading a book, or working in his garden. His love for life comes from his five children.

He attended Utah Valley University where he graduated with dual degrees in Spanish & Technology Management with an emphasis on Leadership; earning the National Certificate from the Center for the Advancement of Leadership. He earned an MBA Spring, 2020. Mike is an Eagle Scout who continues to mentor youth. Mike has been featured in FORBES and is a National ambassador for The Financial Awareness Foundation-a non-profit dedicated to improving financial awareness. Mike has speaking engagements at local colleges and business forums.

After college Mike and his bride moved to California and later Washington where he worked as a manager on some of the largest construction projects in the Western United States: Bay Bridge, CA; Long Beach Bridge, CA; and the Seattle, WA “Big Bertha” Tunnel-the largest diameter tunnel on the globe. He started his own financial services practice with a vision to solve the retirement shortfall by providing the solutions to income tax, decreased income, health costs, & longevity.

Mike Dyal is the principal and founder of multiple companies that help his vision to solve the retirement shortfall.

Jesse Rhodes Jr.

[email protected]

Jesse is an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in the professional and Big Four industries. He has held executive-level positions at major companies like Target, Walmart, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young. Jesse has directed internal audit processes, including risk assessment exercises, risk-based audit plans, and an overall model to govern Internal Audit. His engagement allowed two global organizations to proactively address changes in consumer buying behavior triggered by e-commerce. Jesse's clients at Deloitte and Ernest & Young were mainly in the manufacturing and consumer product services sectors. However, his internal audit experience spanned across various enterprise processes, including cybersecurity, financial and investment services, supply chain, and overall risk management. Currently, Jesse is the Head of Affinity Group Strategy at Amazon, where he utilizes his skills to engage diverse perspectives and build highly effective strategies that identify potential areas of risk and exposure.

Professional Experience
Jesse's professional background showcases his exceptional leadership qualities in dynamic business and regulatory environments. He is a self-motivated and result-driven risk management executive with an extensive range of expertise in crafting and executing effective risk management strategies, coordinating governance initiatives, and streamlining processes for global organizations. Jesse has a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked for over 13 years with the Big 4, where he managed risks and addressed changes in consumer buying behavior triggered by e-commerce.

Furthermore, Jesse is a fervent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is well-versed in advising business leaders and developing programs to foster an inclusive culture and attract talent. Jesse has held leadership positions at renowned companies such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart, where he oversaw risk management, internal audit, and IT functions while also serving as a diversity, equity & inclusion champion.

Boards
Jesse successfully completed the Herndon Directors Institute in Atlanta in July 2021. This is a board-ready program sponsored by Atlanta Life Insurance Company and Nasdaq. Jesse is an active member of various boards, including serving as Chair of the Puget Sound Chapter of After-School All-Stars, and Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of Columbia Tower Club. He is also a lifetime member of NABA, Inc., where he has served as National Director, board treasurer, and member of the audit and finance committees. Jesse earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting and Management Information Systems.

Jesse is an avid philanthropist and humanitarian. He has been actively involved with Love Orphanage in Haiti through his partnership with We The Village Organization. Jesse also volunteers with Wonder of Women International, an organization that aims to serve Black women and girls. In addition to his philanthropic work, Jesse is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Michael Brown

[email protected]

Black Street, LLC
General Contracting | Full-Service Residential Renovation & Restoration

About the Founder, President & CEO – Michael Brown
Michael Brown brings over four decades of hands-on experience to the field of general contracting, beginning in 1984 with the purchase and renovation of residential properties. From expanding living spaces with new bathrooms and bedrooms, to sanding real hardwood floors and crafting custom banisters, Mr. Brown has always upheld a deep commitment to precision, quality, and legacy craftsmanship.
What began with traditional tools and old-school techniques has evolved into a full-service operation that integrates modern technology and compliance with today’s codes and protocols, while preserving the artistry of earlier eras. His early expertise in asbestos ceiling and wall replacement, alongside maintaining highly polished wood finishes, remains a signature element of the meticulous restoration work provided by Black Street, LLC.

At the heart of Mr. Brown’s philosophy is a simple, honest motto:
"Good. Fast. Cheap. Choose Two."
If you want it fast and cheap, it won’t be good.
If you want it fast and good, it won’t be cheap.
If you want it good and cheap, it won’t be fast.
This philosophy defines the company’s integrity and transparency across every project. At Black Street, LLC, we don’t just build—we problem-solve. We understand that restoration and remodeling require a different skill set than new builds: one that relies on innovation, experience, and vision.

Company Overview
Black Street LLC is a full-service general contracting firm, specializing in residential and light commercial renovations. We bring together decades of experience, top-tier craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding results—from initial design to final walk-through.

Whether you’re restoring a historic property or modernizing your current space, Black Street, LLC stands ready to deliver integrity, innovation, and excellence—every step of the way.
Welcome to Black Street, LLC
General Contracting | Full-Service Residential Renovation & Restoration
Transforming spaces with integrity, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge solutions since 1984.

About Us
About the Founder, President & CEO – Michael Brown
Michael Brown brings over four decades of hands-on experience to the field of general contracting, beginning in 1984 with the purchase and renovation of residential properties. From expanding living spaces with new bathrooms and bedrooms to sanding real hardwood floors and crafting custom banisters, Mr. Brown has always upheld a deep commitment to precision, quality, and legacy craftsmanship.
What began with traditional tools and old-school techniques has evolved into a full-service operation that integrates modern technology and compliance with today’s codes and protocols, while preserving the artistry of earlier eras. His early expertise in asbestos ceiling and wall replacement, alongside maintaining highly polished wood finishes, remains a signature element of the meticulous restoration work provided by Black Street, LLC.

Our Motto:
"Good. Fast. Cheap. Choose Two."
This philosophy defines our transparent, client-first approach. We don't just build—we solve problems. We understand that restoration and remodeling require innovation, experience, and vision.

Board Meetings

All Board meetings are open to the public. Download agendas and meeting minutes here.

All RVLA Board meetings are accessible virtually except for retreats.
Please find more info about attending a meeting and meeting agendas and links here.

Board Meetings are currently being held virtually. Please use the lnk on the agenda to attend virtually:

There is an in person option for the monthly Board Meetings @ RVLA: 6020 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
All Board Retreats are in person @ RVLA: 6020 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118

If you need translation services at a Board Meeting please email us two or more days in advance at leah.reisberg@myrvla.org

2025 Upcoming Meetings/Retreats:

January 28th 4:30-5:30pm PST
February 25th 4:30-5:30pm PST
March 29th 9am-4pm PST (Retreat)
April 29th 4:30-5:30pm PST
May 27th 4:30-5;30pm PST
June 24th 10:00-11:00am PST

July 29th 10:00-11:00am PST
August 7th 4-5pm
August 26th 4:30-5:30pm PST
September 30th 4:30-5:30pm PST
October 16th 2-3pm
October 28th 4:30pm-5:30pm PST
November 15th 9:00-1:00pm PST
December 16th 4:30-5:30pm PST

*Times subject to be extended to accommodate annual board retreat. Updated times, dates and location will be posted according to WA OPMA.

To access our board meeting agendas and minutes from November 1, 2019 on, please visit our board meeting platform.

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2015-2016

August 11, 2015: Teleconference Call (Tuesday) - 12:00pm

September 15, 2015 (Tuesday) - 10:45am -12:00pm - TAC

October 22, 2015 (Thursday) - 4:00-6:00pm - SEA

December 16, 2015 (Wednesday) - 9:00-11:00am - TAC

February 12, 2016: Teleconference Call (Friday) - 4:30-5:00pm

May 25, 2016 (Wednesday) - 9:00-11:00am - TAC

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2016-2017

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2017-2018

August 29, 2017 (Tuesday) 3:30-4:00 PM

September 14, 2017 (Thursday)– 9:00-1:00 PM (TAC)

October 26, 2017 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (KEN)

December 14, 2017 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (SEA)

February 26, 2018 (Monday)– 2:30-3:00 PM (SEA)

March 29, 2018 (Thursday)– 9:00-11:00 AM (TAC)

May 23, 2018 (Wednesday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (KEN)

June 28, 2018 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (RVLA, 3900 S Holly Park Drive, Seattle, WA 98118)

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2018-2019

August 23, 2018 (Thursday)– 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (STA)

October 25, 2018 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM; (SEA)

November 28, 2018 (Wednesday)–4:00-4:30 PM (teleconference)

December 13, 2018 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (KEN)

January 25, 2019 (Friday)– 12:00-4:00 PM (McKinstry Innovation Center - 210 S Hudson St, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98134)

February 21, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-4:30 PM (teleconference)

March 28, 2019 (Thursday) – 2:00-4:00 PM (TAC)

April 25, 2019 (Thursday) –4:00-4:30 PM (teleconference)

May 30, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (teleconference)

June 6, 2019 (Thursday)– 5:00 - 7:00 PM (STA)

June 27, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (SEA)

July 30, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (SEA)

NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ONGOING LITIGATION

The Washington State Charter Schools Act requires charter schools to inform you of any ongoing litigation challenging the constitutionality of charters schools, or litigation that could require charter schools to cease operations. You are, therefore, placed on notice that:

There currently no ongoing litigation challenging the constitutionality of charter schools or that might require charter schools to cease operating;

The case captioned LWV v. State, King County Superior Court Cause No. 13-2-24977-4, is still pending. This is the case that resulted in the Supreme Court’s ruling that provisions of the previous Charter Schools Act violated some constitutional provisions. Judgment has not yet been entered in that case;

List other ongoing litigation _______________.

According to Chapter 28A.505.040 RCW, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy is providing notice that the budget and summary of the four-year budget plan
have been completed and copies are available for public review. Requests can be made by emailing [email protected].