Mr. Kennedy joined Vertex Education in 2013 as CFO. His leadership provided stability to the accounting and finance functions of Vertex during an ongoing period of dynamic organizational growth. In his current role as Chief External Relations Officer, Mr. Kennedy plays a key role in strategic initiatives, including business development opportunities, growth strategies and business/legal agreements. Mr. Kennedy also serves as Vertex’s liaison with Legacy’s Arizona and Nevada boards, as well as with state authorities, as we continue to sustain and grow our charter school footprint. Prior to joining Vertex Education, he was a senior audit manager with Schmidt Westergard & Company. He served clients in a variety of industries in a public accounting career that began at CBIZ Miller Wagner and spanned nearly 15 years. Mr. Kennedy also finds great satisfaction serving in the community. He has served on the board of the Arizona Society of CPAs, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, and House of Refuge, a transitional housing program for homeless families. Mr. Kennedy has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting with a minor in Spanish from Arizona State University and is a Certified Public Accountant in Arizona.