Our executive council is our student board member-led decision making body of NSBMA. Meetings are led by the President with the support of the Programming Director. This council plans for short-term events, including NSBMA conferences and policy decisions for the year. Read on for information and statements from our 2024-2025 Presidential Candidates!
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Kate Riddle
Mississippi SBOE
Coming from a small town in rural Mississippi, I bring a unique perspective to the NSBMA that is integral to the success of the executive council. My background has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the diverse needs of students across various educational settings, making me well-equipped to advocate for all voices within our organization. My experience on the Mississippi State Board of Education has given me a strong foundation in educational policy and governance. Working closely with influential leaders, I have developed a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in policy-making and the importance of effective communication. This role has honed my ability to navigate complex discussions and work collaboratively to achieve common goals. In addition to my policy experience, I have demonstrated leadership through various roles in high school. As the president of multiple clubs, including Beta Club and National Honor Society, and as captain of the Lafayette High School Dance Team, I have successfully led teams, organized events, and fostered a spirit of collaboration and excellence. These experiences have equipped me with strong organizational skills, a commitment to teamwork, and the ability to manage responsibilities effectively. I am passionate about creating opportunities for student voices to be heard and valued at all levels of decision-making. As President of NSBMA, I would focus on enhancing representation and ensuring that the perspectives of students from diverse backgrounds are integrated into our policies and initiatives. My goal is to build strong partnerships with educational leaders and stakeholders to drive meaningful change and address the needs of students nationwide. One of my key objectives would be to expand the reach and influence of NSBMA. By leveraging my skills in communication and advocacy, I aim to increase awareness of our organization’s mission and amplify the impact of our work. I believe that engaging with a broader audience and fostering a greater understanding of student board members’ roles will help elevate the visibility and respect for our position. In summary, my unique perspective, combined with my experience in policy-making and leadership, makes me an ideal candidate for NSBMA President. I am committed to driving positive change, advocating for student needs, and ensuring that our organization continues to grow and thrive. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the success of NSBMA and make a lasting impact on the future of student representation.
Michael Keyes
Nevada SBOE
My experience and passion make me the ideal president for NSBMA. My commitment to NSBMA is rooted in my belief that student board members have a unique and powerful role in shaping education. As Executive President, I will work tirelessly to elevate our voices, expand our network, and drive positive change. I have first-hand experience both in a board room and on the NSBMA executive council. I was first appointed to the Nevada State Board of Education over a year ago. A defining feature in my term was to increase student representation on all levels of education governance. This was accomplished in a variety of ways, from creating a Statewide Student Advisory Group for the State Board, attempting to get a student member on the State Public Charter School Authority, working with my local Superintendent to create a Superintendent’s Advisory Group, and working with legislators to require student members on local boards of trustees, a practice almost nonexistent in Nevada. I was pleased to be reappointed by the governor this past April and excited to serve another term. I also served as the West Regional Strategy Coordinator for NSBMA’s executive council last year, helping to train student members and foster intergenerational partnerships with other educational organizations, a key to NSBMA’s success. Through my time in NSBMA and on the executive council, I have learned what direction NSBMA needs to go in. NSBMA is still a very new organization, and I believe that, in these formative years, the organization must foster connections to improve the quality of training for student members and be more equipped to handle the workload as the organization continues to expand. NSBMA is not the only organization I have been a part of throughout my high school years. I serve both on the Nevada Association of Student Councils (NASC) State Board and the Board of Directors for the Nye Communities Coalition, a nonprofit that provides services to a large part of rural southern Nevada. My experience with NASC has equipped me to organize and run events for a large number of people, either online or in person. My position within the Nye Communities Coalition has taught me how effective nonprofits are run. This includes creating a complementary strategic plan the board can create to help the main goals of the organization. Finally, my passion for student voice, representation, and SBM connections makes me the ideal NSBMA president. I have firsthand experience with the benefits that come from having a community of student board members, and I have and will continue to work to strengthen it. Not only that, but I plan on continuing to advocate for student member rights not only in Nevada but across the country, giving voices to millions of students in the process. Student Members are the first officials to represent youth in governance, and by uplifting them, we not only serve to improve material conditions for their constituency but prepare them to remain civically engaged as they enter their adult lives.