Dr. Kia Sweeney-Scott
President
Dr. Kia Scott is the Senior Director of School Choice Services for Orange County Public Schools, where she oversees charter school authorization, home education, and scholarship transfer programs. She currently serves as President of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) and brings more than 30 years of experience in public education.
Dr. Scott has served on the Florida Charter School Appeal Commission and as a grant evaluator for both the U.S. and Florida Departments of Education. She holds degrees from Howard University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Walden University, and recently completed a post-doctoral fellowship at MIT focused on declining student enrollment.
Dr. Valerie Hyer
Vice-President
Dr. Valerie Hyer serves as Vice President of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) and has supported charter schools in the School District of Manatee County since 2015. She oversees charter application reviews, school monitoring, and contract renewals. With more than 28 years of experience in Florida public education, Dr. Hyer has served as a charter school authorizer, school counselor, music educator, and university faculty member.
She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and has led extensive professional development and mentoring for educators and school leaders throughout her career.
Rhonda Stephanik
Secretary
Rhonda Stephanik serves as Secretary of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) and is a Coordinator in Broward County Public Schools’ Charter Schools Management/Support Department. With more than 20 years in public education, she oversees charter school monitoring, application reviews, and renewals.
Prior to authorizing, Rhonda served as a teacher, ESOL contact, and school administrator, and has also taught as an adjunct professor of Spanish. She holds degrees from Kent State University, Wichita State University, and Nova Southeastern University.
Stephen Ayres
Treasurer
Stephen Ayres serves as a Director on the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) Board and is the Director of School Choice, Student Assignments, and Records for Marion County Public Schools. An active FACSA member since 2017, he oversees school choice programs, including charter schools, attendance boundaries, and district records.
With 26 years in public education, Stephen has served in roles ranging from paraprofessional to high school principal and district administrator. He holds degrees in Psychology and Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University.
Dr. Annmarie Dilbert
Director
Dr. Annmarie Dilbert has nearly 30 years of experience in education and currently serves as the Director of Charter Schools for the School District of Palm Beach County. Her career has included roles as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, and principal, including 10 years leading Crosspointe Elementary.
She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Florida Atlantic University, mentoring future educators and school leaders. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success.
Kate Drilling
Director
Kate Drilling serves as a Director on the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) Board and has been the charter school authorizer for Collier County Public Schools since 2022. As Director of School Choice, she supports charter schools and home education families while promoting quality educational opportunities for students. With more than 20 years in education, Kate has served as a teacher and leader at the school and district levels.
She is passionate about building strong relationships, fostering continuous improvement, and using data to support student success. She holds degrees from Indiana University and Nova Southeastern University.
LaTroy Strappy
Director
LaTroy Strappy serves as a Director of School Choice and brings more than 18 years of experience in education and leadership. Throughout his career, he has served as a teacher, academic advisor, guidance counselor, principal, coach, and district leader. Passionate about developing others and building strong community partnerships, LaTroy is committed to creating opportunities for students and aspiring leaders.
He holds a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida and actively serves on several nonprofit boards.