Executive Leadership

Jed Stevenson founded Academica West in 2002 and, through his leadership, has expanded the company to serve 23 Utah LEAs; he also contributes to the community through roles on state education committees and local organizations.

Dr. Matthew Mouritsen, President of Academica West, brings decades of experience in business education, leadership, and school support, having previously served as Dean of the Goddard School of Business at Weber State University and as a founding member of Bridge Elementary

With over 15 years of experience, Brandon Fairbanks advises Utah charter schools on governance, compliance, and legal matters, bringing specialized expertise and a background in litigation, corporate, and real estate law to support boards and administrators.

Brad Taylor, Chief Financial Officer of Academica West for over a decade, is one of Utah’s leading charter school finance experts, advising schools on budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and funding, with experience that includes service on the Utah Charter School Legislative Task Force.

Gabe Clark, General Counsel for Academica West, provides legal guidance on education, employment, and governance matters to charter schools, drawing on extensive experience in corporate and nonprofit law as well as active community leadership.

Platte Nielson advises Academica West’s client schools on a broad range of legal matters including policy development, student data privacy, personnel issues, and litigation support, bringing extensive experience in family, constitutional, employment, and education law.