School Governing Board
Science Technology Engineering and Math Arizona (STEM Arizona or STEM AZ) is the 501c3 non-profit that operates Da Vinci Tree Academy. The school’s corporate board and governing board are one in the same.
School Governing Body Members (profiles and contact information listed at bottom of page):
Juan Urbalejo, STEM Arizona President
Shuang Chen, STEM Arizona Representative
Matt Roll, STEM Arizona Vice President
Gayle Kemme, STEM Arizona Representative
Notice:
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the general public that the STEM Arizona Governing Body will hold their scheduled meetings at the Da Vinci Tree Academy located at 8055 E 22nd Street, Tucson, Arizona, Carver Building Classroom A. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation: such as a language interpreter, by contacting the Da Vinci Tree Academy Administrative Office at 520-372-4606. Act (29 CFR 35.106; Notice).
Copies of the meeting notices, agendas, and minutes can be found:
On this webpage below
At the Da Vinci Tree Academy, G.W. Carver Building front desk located at 8055 E 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85710.
At the Da Vinci Tree Academy, M. Curie Building entrance located at 1102 S Sherwood Village Drive, Tucson, AZ 85710.
Meeting notices and agendas will be available at least 24 hours prior to the Governing Body Meeting.
Governing Body Meetings will be scheduled and held on the weekend, typically on the first Sunday of each month at 9 AM.
Telephonic access to Governing Body meetings will be provided at the school.
For the duration of the pandemic, meetings will be held virtually for the health and wellness of all involved. Instructions to join the video meeting will be included in each posting.
To view board posting, you can browse from the carousel below or view the entries in a full-page mode by clicking here.
Governing Board Member Profiles
Governing Board Member Mr. Shuang Chen - MSBA
schoolboard@davincitree.org
Shuang “Alec” Chen is a business intelligence and analytics professional with experience in technology, marketing, nonprofit management, and international development. Originally from Shanghai, China, he has worked across Asia, North America, and Africa and currently serves as a Business Intelligence Analyst for Pima County Government.
Mr. Chen earned a Master of Science in Applied Analytics from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. His professional background includes work in technology services, business operations, sales support, and marketing analysis, including positions with Apple, AT&T initiatives, Marriott, and China Mobile Group Shanghai Company Limited.
In addition to his professional work, Mr. Chen has been involved in nonprofit and social-impact initiatives focused on education, economic development, and access to essential services. As a founding member and managing foreign director for Trade for the Future in Uganda, he helped oversee projects that now provide potable water access to more than 100,000 people and support agricultural and aquaculture development initiatives. He has also supported community fundraising, nonprofit strategy, and educational initiatives in both the United States and abroad.
Mr. Chen provides Da Vinci Tree Academy with support in marketing, digital design, business strategy, organizational development, and human resource planning. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, he brings both analytical and international perspectives to the school’s leadership and long-term planning efforts.
Governing Board Vice President Mr. Matt Roll - MEd
mroll@davincitree.academy
Matt Roll is an educational leader, entrepreneur, and nonprofit executive with experience in education, technology, business operations, and international development. He is the founder and principal of Da Vinci Tree Academy in Tucson, Arizona, where he led the team that developed the school’s charter application and launched the school in 2018. Under his leadership, the school expanded from a small startup program into a multi-building campus serving hundreds of students while consistently meeting enrollment, fundraising, and student growth goals.
Mr. Roll holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Prior to founding Da Vinci Tree Academy, he worked in Arizona charter schools as both a teacher and technology coordinator, developing STEM curriculum, managing educational technology systems, and leading student enrichment programs. He also worked in Apple Inc.’s business division, where he managed relationships with small- and medium-sized businesses throughout Southern Arizona and helped negotiate major commercial transactions.
In addition to his educational work, Mr. Roll has founded or advised several nonprofit and business initiatives in the United States and abroad. His international development work has included projects providing potable water access to more than 100,000 people in East Africa, educational staffing initiatives in the Philippines, childcare and preschool operations, and publishing and educational media projects. He has served on numerous nonprofit and charter school boards and has experience in fundraising, facilities development, organizational strategy, and nonprofit governance.
Mr. Roll lives in Tucson, Arizona with his four children and his mother.
Governing Board Member Mrs. Gayle Kemme
schoolboard@davincitree.org
Gayle Kemme is an educator and communications professional with experience in classroom instruction, business development, and community engagement. She currently serves on the Board of SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATH ARIZONA, the nonprofit parent organization of Da Vinci Tree Academy, where she supports the organization’s educational mission and long-term development efforts.
Mrs. Kemme earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Northwest Missouri State University and later completed additional education coursework through Pima Community College. Earlier in her career, she worked in both Missouri and Arizona as a radio account executive and later as a Government Account Executive for Verizon Wireless, developing experience in communications, client relations, and organizational operations.
Following her transition into education, Mrs. Kemme spent many years working with students across a variety of grade levels in Southern Arizona schools. Her classroom experience includes teaching early childhood learners at Stepping Stones Academy, upper elementary and middle school students at Desert Springs Academy, and serving as a middle school English Language Arts lead teacher at Da Vinci Tree Academy.
Mrs. Kemme brings to the board practical experience in education, student development, communication, and organizational support. Her background in both the private and educational sectors provides valuable perspective as the organization continues to expand educational opportunities for students and families in the Tucson community.
Governing Board President Mr. Juan Urbalejo
schoolboard@davincitree.org
Juan Urbalejo is a community leader and public service professional with experience in case management, tribal justice systems, community outreach, and organizational leadership. He currently serves as Board President of SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATH ARIZONA, the nonprofit parent organization of Da Vinci Tree Academy, where he supports the organization’s governance, strategic planning, and long-term development efforts.
Mr. Urbalejo earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Pima Community College and pursued further studies in Business Administration through Northern Arizona University. His educational background includes coursework in management, economics, accounting, marketing, business communications, and statistical analysis.
Professionally, Mr. Urbalejo has spent much of his career serving Native American communities in Southern Arizona. As a Case Manager for the Tohono O’odham Nation, he has coordinated educational and medical support services for clients and families while working alongside healthcare providers, law enforcement, and court systems. His prior experience includes serving as a Juvenile Probation Officer for the Tohono O’odham Justice Center and as Chief Bailiff for the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Courts, where he supervised personnel, coordinated court operations, and supported public safety and community outreach initiatives.
In addition to his professional and nonprofit work, Mr. Urbalejo has been involved in civic and community leadership efforts, including a campaign for public office focused on community representation and local engagement. His experience working directly with families, youth, and underserved communities provides valuable perspective in his leadership role with SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATH ARIZONA and Da Vinci Tree Academy.
Mr. Urbalejo brings experience in public service, organizational leadership, community advocacy, and program coordination to the board as the organization continues to expand educational opportunities for students and families in Southern Arizona.