IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Trustees appoint Ramón Javier as next Head of School. Click here to read more.
GJA's Associate Board of Trustees
The George Jackson Academy Associate Board is an engaged group of young professionals committed to supporting the mission of GJA through volunteerism, fundraising, and advocacy. Members of the Associate Board play a vital role in expanding the school’s reach and impact by using their skills, networks, and resources to further our mission of providing a high-quality education to boys from underserved communities.
The Associate Board has hosted many initiatives over the years. From a wine & cheese night, to a pickleball tournament, to breakfast events for the students, the Associate Board has creatively interacted with the students while creating new friends of the school.
If you're interested in joining or learning more about their initiatives, read below for more info!
Common Initiatives
AB Breakfasts
Every year, the Associate Board will host a breakfast for each grade. It gives members a chance to mingle with one another and gives the students some insight into why people support the school and what that looks like. Students of GJA really look forward to the event and often ask teachers and admin when it's going to happen!
High School Placement Involvement
The Associate Board also serves as a valuable source of volunteerism and insight as our 8th graders prepare for the competitive high school placement process. AB members have the opportunity to participate in Mock Interview Day and provide helpful feedback for students honing their interview skills.
GJA Basketball Team
GJA launched its inaugural basketball program in the winter of 2025 in large part thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Associate Board! We look forward to continuing to support the popular program and finding additional ways to make an impact in the lives of GJA students.
If you're interested in joining the Associate Board, email Brenna Thornton at bthornton@gjacademy.org
Meet the Associate Board
David Febrillet '11, Associate Board Co-Chair
Partner at IronArc Ventures
Jasen Blakney, Associate Board Co-Chair
Founder of JamSesh Inc.
Adhitya Venkatraman
Economist at Citadel
Andrew Squire
Principal at Apollo Global Management
Brian Sarfo '09
Committee Counsel at New York City Council
Christian Rivera '08
Associate Counsel at the Office of the Chief Counsel to the Mayor
Duncan Lechner
Private Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley
Gregory Ransom '10
Health Solutions Commercial Analytics Consultant at Aon
Keanu Hypolite
Associate at Morgan Stanley
Lázaro Sánchez
Key Account Manager at Togetherhood
Miguel Tejeda
Principal at Motive Partners
Sasha Croak
Global Manager, Sustainable Category at Anheuser-Busch InBev
Sasha Twardowski
Associate at Ardea Partners