Biographies | | MCRSDMCRSD

Dr. Don Covey

Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools

As the former Superintendent of the Creighton Elementary School District and recipient of Arizona Superintendent of the Year, Don Covey has long been recognized for his action-driven leadership and ability to bring together diverse constituencies and increase student achievement. Covey has also served in top-level administrative positions in the Phoenix Union High School District as its Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services. In addition, he was one of the originators of Phoenix Special Programs & Academies, a distance learning educational services company. He currently sits on the National Board for Kids at Hope, which is dedicated to changing the perception of “Kids at Risk” to “Kids at Hope.” Covey has been a long-time member of the Arizona State Council for North Central Association on School Improvement and Accreditation. His work with participatory site based management, resulted in one of his most prestigious award selections as the National Administrator of the Year. His wife of 42 years, Marge, passed away in 2002. He has three children and seven grandchildren who continue to inspire his call to action. Covey states, “The timing is right for me to give back to my community and apply the knowledge and practical experiences I have gained. We must increase student achievement and success for all students—no exceptions.”

Dr. Gerald Cuendet

Advisory Council President

As a former superintendent of both the Deer Valley Unified School District and Phoenix Elementary School District, Gerald Cuendet understands the complex educational needs of Arizona’s youth. In addition, Cuendet gained tremendous political and healthcare experience serving as chairman of the Maricopa Integrated Health System Governing Board, and representing the residents of Sun City, Sun City West, Youngtown, Surprise, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Peoria, Glendale and Wickenburg in District Four. As advisory council president, Cuendet applies his academic, management and leadership expertise to serve students in transition, as they work to achieve academic and career goals.

Mr. Harry Valenzuela Garewal Jr.

Clerk of the Advisory Council

Harry Garewal has served diverse populations throughout Arizona in numerous educational and political leadership positions. As the President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for more than five years, Garewal established partnerships to strengthen opportunities for area youth and families. In addition, Garewal served four terms on the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board, was a member of the National School Board Association (NSBA) Executive Committee and was honored to serve as president of the Arizona School Board Association, NSBA Pacific Region Board of Directors and NSBA Hispanic Caucus. Garewal currently serves as a member of the Isaac Elementary School District Governing Board.

Ms. Donna McHenry

Advisory Council Member

Ms. McHenry is a Phoenix native with deep, local roots to the South Mountain community. She is a part of a large family; there are two sets of twins which she is a part of. She graduated from South Mountain High School in the top ten percent of her class and attended Arizona State University to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. She continued her education by receiving her Master of Arts in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix while employed with ValueOptions as the Prevention, Education & Outreach Coordinator. She is currently working for the Maricopa County Manager’s Office as the Crime Prevention Specialist in the Justice System Planning and Information Office. Ms. McHenry stays actively involved within her community, as well as her local school districts. She enjoys public service, hiking, cooking, grilling and reading leadership literature.

Dr. Stuart Turnansky

Advisory Council Member

Stuart Turnansky has championed Health care and political initiatives across the state for several decades as he works to resolve issues he sees as a practicing family physician. This daily view of the very real problems many Arizona citizens must deal with, fuels his commitment to creating change and opportunity within the community. With extensive experience in Maricopa County based projects and organizations, Turnansky’s spirit of cooperation and ability to build consensus prove especially valuable in his service on the council.