Hope Christian School

Don Swaim

Donald Swaim has been with the Hope Christian School Board since 1988, serving as Board Chair for the past eight years. His vast experience in Tax Law, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law has earned him recognition in the publication Best Lawyers in America and as a noted specialist by the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization.  Don has received the highest AV rating available by Martindale-Hubbell.  For seven years, Don worked as a Certified Public Accountant with the Internal Revenue Service prior to becoming a lawyer.

Don has served with several committees within the New Mexico State Bar, including chair positions in the Tax Section and the Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate Specialization Committee. Additional professional associations include current membership with the New Mexico Estate Planning Council; New Mexico CPA Society; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and a five year membership on the New Mexico Planned Giving Council where he served as president in 2000. Don has also held board positions with Called Christians, Inc. and Faith Comes By Hearing.  Current board appointments also include Hope Foundation, Inc., and Zia Trust, Inc.

 “I serve at Hope because I believe a Christ-centered education is the best education a child can receive.” 

Sandi Black

Sandi Black began working with Hope Christian Schools in 1985 as an administrative assistant.  Since that time, Sandi has served as Hope’s Admissions Director, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately led the school in the role of Superintendent. Sandi has announced her retirement from Hope Christian Schools, Inc. effective May of 2011.

Sandi received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Eastern New Mexico University and her Master in Educational Administration from Wayland Baptist University.

Sandi has two grown children who are HCS graduates and two of her four grandchildren are currently attending Hope. Sandi spends as much time as she can with family while serving with several board appointments including: Secretary of the Hope Christian School Board of Directors, Treasure of Hope Foundation of New Mexico, Vice President, Alumni Board of Eastern New Mexico University, and a member of the New Mexico Association of Non-Public Schools.

“Hope Christian School has been a passion of mine for 26 years. This has never been a job for me, but a ministry. I have watched God do amazing things in the lives of students and parents alike as they pass through the halls of Hope. I plan to continue to  be a part of what God has in store for Hope and watch Him work in the lives of the families here.”
 

Dan Hedges

Dr Daniel Hedges has been a pastor and educator for thirty-five years. As the youth minister in Wayne Ehlert’s home church, he served with the founding group that started Hope Christian School in 1976. Over the years, Dan has served the school in various roles.

Dan attended the University of New Mexico, William Jessup University, Pepperdine University and McCormick Theological Seminary at the University of Chicago. He earned a doctorate in studies related to practical theology, education, and leadership development. Dan has also served on the faculty and administration at Regent University and Oral Roberts University.  He has considerable experience working with educational and ministry organizations as a Board member and consultant.

Today, Dan serves his denomination as the National Director of Education and Leadership Development, overseeing Christian schools, Bible institutes and colleges across the United States.

Dan and his wife, Ginger, have three grown children, all of which attended Hope. They look forward to their granddaughter attending Hope when she is ready to start school. 

“I was there at the first prayer meeting when Wayne shared a vision for a unique Christian school where kids could find hope for a brighter future. We prayed and gave, believing God would fulfill this remarkable vision before our eyes. After thirty-five years of development, there is no question that He is fulfilling it in a spectacular way.” 

Jim Tate

James Tate serves as Vice Chairman of the Hope Christian School Board of Directors and has been a board member since 1992. He’s also serves as Project Manager for the school, overseeing new construction as well as projects related to risk management for all three campuses.

A native New Mexican, Jim is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and has 34 years as a real estate broker as well as a licensed New Mexico general contractor. Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Pregnancy Center (CareNet) for ten years, and held the office of president for four of those years. He is in leadership with his church, serving as a deacon and leading a small community group.  Jim is heavily involved with Bible Study Fellowship International where he has held the position of discussion leader for an accumulative 18 years.

Jim is a member of Hope Foundation, Inc., and serves as Chairman.

Jim and his wife Kathi have had three daughters graduate from Hope.
 
"Our family has been blessed to be an integral part of the Hope Christian School family for 25 years, continuing with 4 granddaughters in the 'wings'. How God has blessed those who relied totally upon Him. Only in Him are all things possible!" 
 

Tom Crow

Thomas Crow is a registered investment advisor and president of Crow Financial Advisors in Albuquerque. He earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Albuquerque in 1998 and Bachelors degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in laser and electro-optics from NMSU in 1990. Prior to opening Crow Financial Advisors, Tom worked as a laser engineer and division director at Decade Optical Systems.

Tom joined Hope Christian School Board of Directors in 2004 and is currently serving as president of Hope Foundation, Inc. where he’s held membership for ten years.  He is also active in the Albuquerque Chapter of Kingdom Advisors and he and his wife Vicki are Crown Financial Small Group leaders.  Tom is also musically talented, singing and leading a praise and worship band called Emmaus. Tom also sings and holds a board position with Quintessence: Choral Artists of the Southwest.

Tom and Vicki have three children, all of which have attended Hope Christian School since Kindergarten.

Tom’s burning desire is that everyone would be encouraged by his example and “take hold of the life that is truly life” through stewardship.