The Challenger Learning Center Advisory Board promotes the development of the Challenger Learning Center of RCSD1 as it relates to and meets the needs of students, the community, and the public.
The Advisory Board oversees the Challenger Learning Center Foundation.
Members of the 2025-2026 Challenger Learning Center Advisory Board:
Paul Werts, Chair
Paul Werts is the former Program Manager of Airport Development and Division of Aeronautics Special Programs with the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. He is President of the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, a Chapter Member of the Thrivent Financial Church Council, and a member of the South Carolina Aviation Association. He received a degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Midlands Technical College and is a Certified Public Manager. He formerly served as the Director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. He was award The Order of the Palmetto by the Governor of South Carolina.
John Busch, Vice-Chair
John Busch is an entrepreneur who serves on the College of Charleston Board of Trustees and the Humanities Council of South Carolina. He is a former F-16 pilot at McEntire JNGB. He received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston, a Master’s of Strategic Studies from the USAF Air War College, and an International MBA from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
Don Purcell, Treasurer
Don Purcell is the President of the Spring Valley Auto Group. He served as the Chairman of the Richland County Airport Commission and the President of the South Carolina Aviation Association. He served as Chairman and Board Member of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and as Chairman and Board Member of the NE Area Council. He also served as a Board Member and on the Executive Committee for the Richland County Cultural Council. He served on the Richland School District 2 Superintendent’s Advisory Committee.
Krystal DuBose
Krystal DuBose represents the University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing where she serves as the Director of Enrollment Management.
Stephen Astemborski
Stephen Astemborski is the Director of SC Aerospace at the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. He is a member of the Greenville Transit Authority Board of Directors and the President of the West Point Association of Upstate South Carolina. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering w/ Honors from the United States Military Academy in 2009 and was an Active Duty Army Officer until 2014. From 2014 to 2020, he worked for GE Power and GE Aviation before joining SC Competes.
James Stephens
James Stephens serves as the President of the Greenville Downtown Airport and as the President of the South Carolina Aviation Association. He is the former Executive Director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
Charlie Farrell
Charlie Farrell is a banking and finance graduate of the University of South Carolina where he played basketball for Coach Frank McGuire. He flew jet fighters with the Marine Corps and the SC Air National Guard. In 1980 he formed The Farrell Group, specializing in programs to develop leadership skills. Charlie was the Director of Executive Education in the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina and was Director of the SC Aerospace Task Force. He also served as the Executive Coordinator of the SC Military Base Task Force. He was awarded The Public Service Commendation Medal (by the Secretary of the Army), The Commander’s Public Service Award (by the Department of the Air Force), and The Order of the Palmetto, by the Governor of South Carolina. He is also a member of the Richland School District One Hall of Fame.