The Utah State Charter School Board, which authorizes 91% of Utah’s public charter schools, is proud to introduce its newly appointed executive leadership team. Dr. Paul K. Kremer, hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, has assumed the role of Executive Director, while Ms. Marie Steffensen, a resident of South Jordan, Utah, has been named Associate Executive Director.
“This marks a significant shift in leadership for the board,” said Dr. W. Bryan Bowles, Chairman of the State Charter School Board.
Dr. Paul K. Kremer brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds a Ph.D. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology from Arizona State University and has conducted extensive research on bullying in educational settings. Dr. Kremer is the founder of two charter schools, including EAGLE College Prep, a high-performing charter school in South Phoenix, as well as a preschool program. His administrative background includes various roles at Arizona Christian University from 2011 to 2015, where he contributed to academic excellence and mission fulfillment.
Dr. Kremer later served as the Controller and Assistant Superintendent at Edkey, Inc., overseeing a diverse portfolio of K-12 schools in Arizona. In his personal life, he has been happily married to his wife, Leslie, since 1995, and they have four children. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and outdoor activities.
Marie Steffensen, a licensed Utah educator and administrator, brings her expertise in early childhood education and holds a master’s degree in educational administration and school leadership. Her diverse roles in education have included instructional coaching, coordinating the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, and serving as a Dean of Students.
She also served as a Charter School Executive Director before joining the State Charter School Board staff in 2019. Beyond her professional roles, Ms. Steffensen is an active board member of her local PTA, a former member of a school community council, a teacher preparation program clinical supervisor, and currently sits on the Utah School Readiness Board. She resides in South Jordan, Utah, with her husband, two children, and one faithful old dog. Together they enjoy a mix of laughter and exploration during their many family adventures.
