Board of Directors

Tommy Spaulding, Founder
of National Leadership Academy and The Tommy Spaulding Leadership Institute

(e): tommy@tommyspaulding.com
(w): www.tommyspaulding.com

Tommy Spaulding, president of Spaulding Leadership Institute, is the founder of the National Leadership Academy. Tommy is a world renowned leadership and inspirational speaker and best-selling author. His first book, It’s Not Just Who You Know, became a #2 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and #1 USA Today national bestseller. Tommy’s second book, The Heart-Led Leader is a New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal national bestseller.

Tommy was the youngest president and CEO of the world-renowned leadership organization, Up with People. He also founded Leader’s Challenge, which grew to become the largest high school civic and leadership program in the state of Colorado. In addition, Tommy has an extensive business background and has received many awards and accolades, such as: Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, Denver Business Journal’s “Forty under 40” Award, East Carolina University’s “Outstanding Alumni” Award, and in September 2012, Spaulding was named by Meetings & Conventions Magazine as one of the BEST KEYNOTE SPEAKERS in the nation.

Tommy is passionate about building tomorrow’s leaders by making service and heart-led leadership crucial components of the National Leadership Academy. He is the epitome of servant leadership in action. Thousands of young lives are changed each year as a result of his dedication and commitment to the next generation of world-changers.

Frank De Angelis
Former Principal,
Columbine High School

Frank De Angelis is an educator that has excelled in leadership. He retired in June 2014 after 35 years at Columbine High School. Frank began his career as a teacher and coach at Columbine and – during his tenure – was the principal at the time of the Columbine School shooting tragedy.

Frank has earned multiple awards for teaching, leadership, and coaching. He was selected Colorado High School Principal of the Year and was one of three finalists for the National Principal of the Year. He recently received the Jefferson Country Lifetime Achievement Award and the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Award.

Frank brings a passion and knowledge for excellence in education and leading with love to the participants and staff of the Academy.

Scott Bemis
Director, Business and Community Partnerships, EKS&H

Scott has more than 30 years of experience building relationships and developing partnerships while leading publications for the American City Business Journals. Most recently, he served as the president and publisher for the Denver Business Journal – a position he held since 1996.

Scott is involved in the community with organizations like the Downtown Denver Partnership, Junior Achievement, and Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Scott provides a wealth of experience and a passion for building the next generation of leaders!

Joe Krenn
CEO & General Manager, Farmington Country Club

Joe Krenn, CCM is the CEO/ General Manager at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Virginia since 2012.  Farmington is a member-owned, private club with 2500+ members, 450+ staff, $21+ million operating revenue; offers golf, tennis, fitness, aquatics, overnight accommodations, childcare, and various dining venues.   The club is ranked consistently as a top 40 Platinum Clubs and recognized as a top private club in Virginia.  He is the Club’s fifth GM/COO in its 93-year history.   Prior to Farmington Country Club, Joe has gained management experience with a variety of other highly distinguished private clubs in the nation such as the Atlanta Athletic Club, Ansley Golf Club, and Cherokee Town & Country Club.  

Joe was awarded his Masters of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business, and his B.S. in Hospitality Management and A.S. Recreation and Leisure Management from Johnson and Wales University.   He is a Certified Chief Executive and Club Manager, serves as a national director for the Club Management Association of America (CMAA).  In 2017, Joe was awarded the James Brewer Award for Excellence in Club Management. 

Our Team

Our NLA staff is comprised of committed volunteers who work tirelessly to bring student participants the best leadership building experience during the program. They work as LEAD Team Mentors, and interact with and support students on a deeply personal level as they guide them through their experience over the course of the Academy.