Page 18 - The EDGE Fall 2025

VSMG BOARD

BY LEIGH STEELE, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, VSMG

VSMG Welcomes Heather Mock & Marcie

Leigh Steele Rodriguez to Board of Directors

Founded in 2005 by three Arizona public-school and Dale Ponder are all past AASBO presidents,
employers, Valley Schools Management Group representing decades of collective experience in
(VSMG) is a nonprofit organization that provides Arizona’s education system.
employee-benefit consulting to school districts
and public entities. Today, it is the largest New Members, Broader Perspectives
employee-benefits consultant serving Arizona’s
public school districts—but its impact reaches far
beyond benefits. Built by individuals with strong
connections to the Arizona Association of School
Business Officials (AASBO), VSMG reflects the
same commitment to integrity, collaboration, and
professional excellence that defines Arizona’s
school business community.

Heather Mock Marcie Rodriguez
A Board Designed for Public Service
VSMG is governed by an eight-member VSMG recently welcomed Marcie Rodriguez,
Nonprofit Corporate Board composed of current Deputy Superintendent of Business Support
and former administrators, finance officers, and Services for Peoria USD, and Heather Mock,
public-sector leaders. This structure ensures Deputy Superintendent of Fiscal and Business
that organizational decisions are informed by Services for Deer Valley USD, to its Board of
professionals who understand the daily realities Directors. Both bring extensive experience in
facing school business officials—from budgeting district finance, HR, and operations. Their addition
and procurement to employee support and strengthens the Board’s ability to consider a wide
wellness. range of perspectives from across the education
community.
A hallmark of this Board is its strong connection
to the Arizona Association of School Business Collaboration in Practice
Officials. Over the years, seven current and The close relationship between AASBO and
former AASBO presidents have served on the VSMG has long been a source of professional
VSMG Board, a reflection of AASBO’s enduring collaboration and shared learning. Many Board
focus on developing capable, ethical, and service- members have held leadership roles in both
minded leaders. Current Board members Jill organizations, bringing with them insights
Barragan, Mike Barragan, Jim DiCello, Bill Maas, into statewide policy, fiscal responsibility, and

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