Avon Education Foundation
Board of Directors
Join us in making a difference!
AEF is currently seeking new board members! If you are passionate about education and looking for a way to make a lasting impact in our schools, we invite you to apply.
Jayda Sommers
President
Board Member Since 2023
Jayda Sommers has proudly called Avon home since 1999, when she and her husband, Shane, chose Avon as the place to raise their family. Over the past 27 years, she has had the privilege of watching Avon grow while actively supporting its schools, families, and community organizations.
Education has been a central part of Jayda’s life and career. She dedicated her professional career to education in Wayne Township, where she developed a deep understanding of the needs of students, educators, and schools. When her children became school-aged, she became actively involved as a volunteer throughout Avon Community School Corporation, serving in a variety of capacities and building strong relationships. As the parent of two Avon graduates, she has experienced firsthand the exceptional opportunities Avon schools provide and understands the importance of ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed.
Jayda’s commitment to service extends beyond education. She is an active member of the Avon Rotary Club, where she embraces Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Her involvement with the Avon Education Foundation reflects her commitment to supporting all students and educators. She values the Foundation’s role in creating opportunities that enhance learning and believes strong community partnerships are essential to helping Avon schools continue to thrive in the years to come.
Mary Beth Carmichael
Vice President
Board Member Since 2025
Mary Beth Carmichael Is a retired vice president of the YMCA of greater Indianapolis for over 35 years. She oversaw a full service facility YMCA serving more than 4,000 members with a strong focus on community impact. She has led successful fundraising efforts along with developed strategic partnerships, including a key collaboration with the Hendricks Regional Health.
Mary Beth is passionate about youth development in community wellness and is very excited to serve on the Avon education foundation in it’s mission to empower Avon students and educators. Mary Beth has lived in Hendricks County for over 40 years. Her daughter is a teacher with the Plainfield Community Schools. She has 4 grandchildren.
Alan Aguilar
Treasurer
Board Member Since 2023
Alan Aguilar is an Avon Alumni and graduated from Avon back in 2016. He has been a resident of Avon for over 20 years. Alan holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and International Studies. Currently works in the Finance Industry at PNC Bank as an Investment Advisor for Institutional clients.
Alan has spent most of his life in Avon and has seen the growth and development within the Avon School Community Corporation. He has come back to serve on the AEF board to give back to a corporation that has given him a multitude of opportunities. Alan believes in the mission of AEF and admires the way the foundation supports its students and teachers in a fashion unlike any other school corporation.
Kira Richardson
Secretary
Board Member Since 2022
Kira has worked in the field of public health for nearly a decade, and currently serves as the Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Disease Epidemiologist for the Indiana Department of Health. She is married to her husband Brian Richardson Jr. and together they have two children, Alexa and Aiden.
Kira has always centered uplifting and improving the lives of others at the core of what she does both in her professional and personal life. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and enjoys volunteering within the community.
Kira is determined to make the world a better place for her children and others to live and thrive. She is excited to join the AEF Board to further its mission to support creativity, innovation, and excellence within the Avon Community School Corporation.
Don Hodson
Board Member Since 2022
Don has been a lifetime resident of Hendricks County, having grown up in Plainfield and then graduated from Plainfield High School. He later graduated from Wabash College majoring in political science and speech. He married Rita, his wife of 29 years until her passing in 2013, and has lived in the Avon Community since 1984. He has three children, Nikki Ford, Nathan Ford and David Hodson and 6 grandkids. Because all of his children and five of his grandchildren have graduated from AHS (the youngest still attends Pine Tree) he has always been a strong supporter of Avon Schools.
Don served for twelve years as the Washington Township Trustee. He currently works for Hendricks Regional Health in the Strategy Department. Besides the AEF Board he is also a member of Avon Oriole Advocates. Beginning in 2023 he will be serving on the Hendricks County Election Board and the Hendricks County College Network Board. He is still an active supporter of Hendricks County Project Angel, which was his wife’s love and project for 25 years until her passing. Don has always believed the future of our nation and community rest in our youth and education is the key to that.
Keith Olsen
Board Member Since 2025
Keith Olsen joined Connection Pointe Christian Church’s Avon staff in January 2025, as the Connections and Groups Director. Prior to that, he spent 15 years in management roles for various Fortune 500 service companies. He’s the son of two former educators and is married to Suzanne Olsen, a teacher at Sycamore Elementary. Together they have two daughters that attend Avon schools.
Keith deeply values the educational experiences his daughters receive and the support his wife enjoys in Avon schools. He shares in AEF’s mission and is honored to serve on the board of a foundation dedicated to ensuring every student is supported in Avon Community School Corporation.
Angela Hudgins
Board Member Since 2022
Andrea Sherman
Board Member Since 2026
Beth Ann Holmes
Board Member Since 2026