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 2023-2024 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 a Board Member 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 is 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.
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 is the past Chairman of the Richland County Airport Commission and past President of the South Carolina Aviation Association. He is a past Chairman and Board Member of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and a past Chairman and Board Member of the NE Area Council. He serves as a Board Member and is on the Executive Committee for the Richland County Cultural Council. He serves 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.
Angel Anderson
Angel Anderson represents the University of South Carolina’s McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation & Research.
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.
Kevin Howell
Kevin Howell serves as senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport District, where he is responsible for GSP’s Capital Improvement Program, Airport Operations, Maintenance & Public Safety, and Cerulean Aviation, the airport’s FBO, fueling and ground handling business lines.
Prior to joining GSP, Mr. Howell served as the development director for the Asheville Regional Airport. He also previously worked at the Little Rock National Airport and Nashville International Airport. Mr. Howell is an accredited International Airport Professional by Airport Councils International and a certified airport manager by the American Association of Airport Executives. He earned his bachelor’s degree is aerospace from Middle Tennessee State University.