William Raymond, Interim Head of Board

Dr. Raymond holds a BA in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA from Columbia University. He spent most of his business career in corporate commercial banking working for banks in New York City and London, England. He eventually returned to Columbia University, this time Teachers College, earning a doctorate in Educational Administration. During that period and subsequently he has worked for a number of independent schools. His most recent position was with a secondary school in Raleigh, NC. While there, he had primary responsibility for the school’s successful accreditation efforts and served as Head of the Upper School.

On moving to Bonita Springs in the Spring of 2017, he became aware of Grace Classical Academy. As his prior school in Raleigh is a Christian school that follows the Classical model of education, GCA was a natural fit. He joined GCA’s Board the following Fall. Dr. Raymond is married with two grown children and three grandchildren. He and his wife, Gillian, enjoy running, hiking, tennis, and golf. They attend First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs.

Ryan Potter

Ryan Potter grew up in Naples and is now growing his family here. He is a local small business owner who loves utilizing his trade to help make this beautiful place we live even more appealing. When not working for Potter Homes, you can likely find Ryan playing soccer, cheering on the Gators, or spending time with his family at the beach. Ryan and his wife, Kristen, have four children, Peyton, Hadley, Emma, and Will. They are members at Center Point Community Church. Ryan has a vested interest in GCA, with three of his children attending as students.

Kyle Christianson

I was born in North Dakota and grew up in the “Cowboy State”, Wyoming, where I graduated from the University of Wyoming. Go Pokes! Not long after moving to Florida in 2000, I met and married my lovely wife, Miranda. We live in Bonita Springs, FL and are blessed to have three healthy and active children, Grace, Ava & Jake. I enjoy anything outdoors especially camping in the mountains (not Miranda’s favorite). If I’m not in the office it means we are going to Grace’s dance or cheer, Ava’s horseback riding, volleyball or basketball or Jake’s flag football, basketball, or jujitsu. As a family we enjoy traveling, time at the pool, going to the beach or a park. I have a soft spot for children’s organizations, and I believe in giving back to our local community where I have been the past President of the Board of Directors of Naples Therapeutic Riding Center. Currently, I serve as the Treasurer of Empowerment Farm. Empowerment Farm seeks to empower children and adults with animals, plants, and each other through farm-based activities. I also serve as the Treasurer of Grace Classical Academy. GCA is a classical Christian K-8 school located in Bonita Springs, Florida. GCA is committed to exceptional educational programs that encourage our children to reflect the model of Jesus Christ, while also becoming productive citizens of society.

Chris Paul

I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, and relocated to Southwest Florida in 2014. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Jordan since 2015 and have two daughters, Brynlee and Mikalya. I currently serve as a Regional Director for AT&T supporting large enterprise customers in the east half of the United States. Outside of work, I enjoy playing pickleball, boating, and spending time with my girls at the beach or poolside. I have an unquenchable thirst and love for God and am honored to help impact Southwest Florida through the GCA students, faculty, staff, and families. I truly believe that the two greatest investments in life you can make are in His kingdom and in His children, and they’re both right here at GCA, so I am honored to serve on the board to help fortify and progress GCA’s mission to glorify God by cultivating truth, goodness, and beauty through Christ-centered classical education.

Kevin Pedersen

Kevin was born in a beautiful part of NJ. He graduated from Santa Clara University and eventually met his wife Christy in Nashville, TN. In 2012, Kevin got involved in the family importing business and relocated to FL. Kevin is very active in his family life. He’s been coaching his sons (Dane, James, and Kade) in soccer for the past six years. His family loves traveling to different parts of the state and the world. In their free time, Kevin’s family enjoys going to the beach and staying active playing various sports. The Pedersen family are active members in their church and have a passion for God and His Word.