Global_Content.Members_Area_1
Miles Durfee
Mdurfee@vistacharterps.org
Miles Durfee is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in public education, advocacy, and leadership. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Community Leadership Strategies, a firm specializing in leadership strategies, community engagement, and tailored advocacy for nonprofit and educational organizations. His work emphasizes fostering organizational growth through leadership strategies that align with community needs. Prior to founding his consulting firm, Miles served as Vice President of Local Advocacy and Member Support at the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), where he championed policies to advance the growth and sustainability of charter schools across the state. His extensive experience includes working directly with school leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and other public officials to ensure student success and operational excellence in public education. Miles’ dedication to advancing public education is further exemplified through his earlier roles, including his tenure as Manager of Administrative and Legislative Services for the San Diego Unified School District. In this role, he championed legislative and regulatory policies that positively impacted 125,000 students and collaborated with district leadership to implement forward-thinking strategic initiatives. Holding a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, Miles has consistently demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning and applying these lessons to better serve his community. Beyond his professional contributions, his involvement with organizations such as the Copley-Price YMCA and the Old Mission Rotary Club underscores his dedication to fostering community growth and support. Miles’ leadership continues to shape the public education landscape, advancing innovation and equity for students and communities alike.
Tuan Pham
Board Treasurer
Tpham@vistacharterps.org
Tuan Pham is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity executive with over two decades of experience driving innovation, enhancing organizational resilience, and delivering transformative results. As Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Symmetry Lending and Golf Acceptance, Tuan has led high-impact, strategic initiatives that safeguard organizations against emerging cybersecurity threats, streamline complex operations, and propel transformative growth. By challenging the status quo and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Tuan ensures technology investments not only address today’s challenges but also anticipate future opportunities, positioning organizations for sustained success in competitive environments.
As a member of the Board of Directors for Vista Charter Public School, Tuan leverages his leadership, strategic vision, and expertise to support the school’s mission of fostering
academic excellence and preparing students for success in a technology-driven world. His extensive experience in digital transformation and cybersecurity provides a forward-thinking
perspective that strengthens the school’s operational integrity and long-term vision. A lifelong advocate for education, Tuan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and
an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Business. His commitment to strategic innovation, governance, and continuous improvement makes him a vital contributor to the school’s growth and
success.
Current Term Expiration Date: 6/30/2026
Sarwat Chowdhury
Board Member
schowdury@vistacharterps.org
With over two decades of leadership experience at the United Nations and the World Bank, Dr. Sarwat Chowdhury brings a global perspective to her work in sustainability and climate education. She is currently the Program Director for the Wildland Urban Interface Climate Action Network at UC Irvine and teaches environmental and social sustainability courses at UCI.
She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has earned degrees from UCLA, Baylor University, Harvard University, and Berea College. Dr. Chowdhury is an experienced Policy Advisor, Strategic Planner, Program Manager, Thought Leader, and Economist with demonstrated expertise in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Climate Justice, Renewables Energy, Inclusive Blue and Green Economy, Disaster and Natural Resource Management, Waste Management, and Sustainable Forestry with over 30 peer-reviewed publications in academic journals and World Bank and UN reports. She directed climate change and environmental programs across 45 countries on six continents, provided policy expertise, and led capacity-building initiatives. Dr. Chowdhury has previously served on the Board of the United Nations International School, Hanoi, Viet Nam, and currently serves on the Board of the United Nations Association of Orange County as its Climate Change Ambassador. Sarwat also has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked with the Grameen Bank, Greenpeace, Save the Children, SciDev, Bread for the World, the World Federalist Association, and the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network.
Sarwat is deeply committed to cultivating and enhancing partnerships with impacted communities, researchers, policymakers, students, and educators, driving resilience through innovative sustainability solutions, education, and policy development.
Geronimo Gaytan
Board Member
ggaytan@vistacharterpublicschools.org
Mr. Gaytan is a founding parent of Palm Lane Elementary Charter School, the second parent trigger school in the State of California. Mr. Gaytan worked tirelessly to help the parents of Palm Lane convert the school into a charter school. He has served with dedication and loyalty on the school board since that time and continues to be a powerful advocate for parents at all Vista Charter Public Schools. Mr. Gaytan is a proud employee of Disneyland where he has worked formany years and is held in high regard by his supervisors and employees in the food services division. Mr. Gaytan has a child enrolled at Palm Lane Elementary Charter School.
Current Term Expiration Date: 6/30/2026
