Paul Morley
President

Paul Morley teaches science, language arts, and photography at Mid-Valley High School. He is a graduate of the University of Washington, with bachelor’s degrees in wildlife science and photography, and from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, with a master's degree in cross-cultural education. After working several seasons doing biology research in Cook Inlet and the Pribilof Islands, and as foreign fisheries observer in the Bering Sea, Paul began his teaching career in 1992 teaching photography in Yakutsk, Russia. Since then, he has taught in village Alaska, Japan, Fairbanks, and for the past nine years, here in the Mat-Su Valley.

Throughout his career, Paul has remained committed to meeting the needs of diverse and sometimes under-served populations, including indigenous, at-risk, and gifted teens. This has led him to initiate innovative programs for students, including evening Career Forums, Burchell High School's Calico Bluff Archeology Field School, creative writing and fine arts publications such as Palmer High's annual anthology, Journeys, and a for-credit course option for foreign exchange students visiting Palmer's Sister City, Saroma, Japan.

Paul brings to the Mat-Su Schools Foundation a broad professional background, progressive ideas, and enthusiasm in promoting and seeking funding for educational programs. His personal interests include skiing, boating, hiking, and playing mandolin

Linda Conover
Treasurer

President Linda Conover has been deeply involved in all aspects of education. Linda has been a teacher, educational math consultant and school administrative secretary. Linda served 15 years as an officer in school PTA’s and PTO’s, most of those years as President. Linda served on the Organizational Committee for the district's first Charter School, and served as a Board Member and Officer on its Academic Policy Committee. She is the past president of the Mat-Su Schools Foundation. She received the Champions for Children Award from the Mat-Su Education Association in 1999 and 2008. Linda also serves on the Mat-Su Health Foundation's Board of Directors and the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center's Board of Directors.

Linda Conover has worked as a licensed insurance agent and office manager. Ms. Conover previously owned an educational consulting company, and is currently owner/designer of a web design business.

Linda Conover has lived in Alaska with her husband Dale for 46 years, and has two daughters living in Alaska. Linda received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Washington University, majoring in Math and Science, and a Master’s Degree in Education from UAA.

Pat Purcell
Secretary

Pat Purcell has lived in Alaska since 1977 and has made the Mat-Su Valley her home for the last 24 years. Along with her pioneer spirit, Pat has been an enthusiastic volunteer for her community with endless energy for helping her Valley neighbors, especially the children.

Pat served a term on the Mat-Su School Board (2006-2008) and in 2007 was selected as the United Way’s Dorothy Jones Volunteer of the Year. She has served on the Mat-Su Schools Foundation board for 4 years and is a Board Member for the Chugiak Children’s Services (Head Start Program) and the United Way of Mat-Su. Pat has volunteered for the Girl Scouts for many years and is the Palmer Service Unit Manager. She is a past PTA President and PTA Council Secretary and is a current PTA member. Pat was also a member of the Steering Committee responsible for establishing the Boys and Girls Club in the Mat-Su area.

Pat graduated from Capitol School of Business in Helena, Montana, and has been an accounts payable and payroll clerk for a small business and a substitute teacher in the Mat-Su Borough School District.

Pat lives in Wasilla with her husband David, and her children and grandchildren are close by. She enjoys volunteering in the community, playing piano, dancing, and motorcycling.

Katie Conover
Director

A lifelong Alaskan, Katie Conover was born and raised in the Mat-Su Valley. She has worked for over 15 years in the education field, largely in Mat-Su Valley schools. Katie has also enjoyed working for various small and large businesses during the summers. Katie is currently a librarian at a Wasilla elementary school.

Ms. Conover holds a Bachelors of Science from Linfield College, a Masters of Arts in Education from the University of Otago and completed a Professional School Library degree at the University of Washington. Katie is currently active of the Wasilla Sunrise Rotary Club, the Valley Reading Association and the Alaska Association of School Librarians. Katie received the Champion of Young Children Award in 2011.

Katie has a passion for community athletics and has coached volleyball, basketball, and cross country running for many ages (elementary through high school). She also enjoys participating in various recreational activities, including recreational soccer, hockey and triathlons.

Linda Menard
Director

Senator Linda Menard has resided in Wasilla for 39 years with her late husband of 49 years, Mayor Curt Menard. Linda is currently serves as our State Senator representing the Valley. She was a Mat-Su School District Board Member for twelve years. She received the distinguished honor of "Outstanding School Board Member" from the Mat-Su principals when she served as President. In addition, she received the First Champion for Children Award in 2007.

Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, with a major in psychology and minor in music. In 1999 she received the "Citizen of the Year" award from the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. In 1994, Mrs. Hickel recognized her as the "Volunteer of the Year." She was appointed member of the Governor's State Arts Council and has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for nearly 20 years.

Additionally, Linda is the Vice-Chairperson of the Valley Hospital Association d.b.a. Mat-Su Health Foundation Board, and retired CFO for a dental office.

Raising five children and running three marathons rank as her greatest accomplishments.

Deena Paramo
Director

Deena M. Paramo has been an educator since 1991. She began as a teacher in elementary and middle schools and moved into school administration in 1996.  In 2006 Deena earned her Doctorate degree from the University of Oregon and is currently the Assistant Superintendent of the Mat-Su Borough School District.  She has a passion for children and learning. 

Dr. Paramo spends her time outside of work with her husband and two daughters.  Volunteering her time as a youth sports coach also keeps Deena busy during the long winter months and keeps her outside on soccer fields during the long summer daylight.  The Mat-Su Schools Foundation is a new passion, and Deena hopes that the foundation will become a formative asset to the education of many young Matanuska Valley students.  The Valley is a special place to grow up, and the Mat-Su Schools Foundation work can add value to the experiences students encounter through their education.

Robert Hall
Director

Robert Hall is committed to children's education. He taught Junior Achievement and was an assistant volleyball coach at Houston High School. He is a founding father of Midnight Sun Charter School.

Robert is committed to his community. He is an active member of Houston Chamber of Commerce, Houston Lions, and Susitna Rotary Club He started the Houston BSA Venturing crew for active teens interested in firefighting. For twenty years, Robert has been a volunteer firefighter for the Houston Fire Department.

Robert majored in business and mathematics at Linfield College and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence at Willamette. Robert currently owns and operates a successful business in the Mat-Su Valley.

Robert Hall is a lifetime Alaskan. He lives with his wife and two children. He enjoys salmon fishing, downhill skiing and biking with his family. In his spare time, he is an avid reader of business and chess literature. He earned the State of Alaska Chess Championship title for two consecutive years.

Kathy Moffitt
Director