The Leadership at the Academy for Science and Design
The ASD Board of Trustees and school administration work closely together to ensure strong leadership for our school.
The ASD Board of Trustees and school administration work closely together to ensure strong leadership for our school. Our Board provides governance and strategic direction, ensuring we stay true to our mission as a chartered public school, while our administrative team leads instruction, day-to-day operations, and the overall student experience. Together, we’re committed to creating a school where every student can thrive.
A Message from Our Board Chairman
New Hampshire is a remarkable place — to live, to raise a family, and to build a business. It’s a state that draws people in with the kind of quality of life that’s increasingly rare. And at the heart of what makes it special is the strength of its communities and the talent of its people. But to keep that promise alive for the next generation, we have to invest in what comes next. The world is changing fast, and the workforce of tomorrow will look very different from the one we know today. The question isn’t whether science and technology will shape New Hampshire’s future. They already are. The question is whether we’re preparing our young people to lead that future, or simply follow it.
That’s why ASD matters so much to me personally, and why I believe so strongly in what this school is building. We are not just educating students. We are developing the scientists, engineers, problem-solvers, and innovators who will power New Hampshire’s economy and strengthen our communities for decades to come. The state’s employers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and beyond are telling us clearly: they need graduates who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge to real challenges. ASD is answering that call, and I couldn’t be more honored to be part of it.
— Rick Bartle
Board Chair, Academy for Science and Design
About Rick
Founder of Stratus Business Development, Rick brings more than 30 years of aviation industry experience and a lifelong commitment to STEM education and workforce development. He serves as a Trustee of ASD and holds board positions with Bridgewater State University, Nashua Community College, and New Hampshire’s Statewide Workforce Innovation Board.
The future belongs to people who can not only solve complex problems but also communicate their solutions effectively and work collaboratively across disciplines and communities. That's the foundation of everything we do at ASD.
A Message from Our Director
The future belongs to people who can not only solve complex problems but also communicate their solutions effectively and work collaboratively across disciplines and communities. That’s the foundation of everything we do at ASD, and it’s why I’m so excited about where we’re headed.
One of the initiatives I’m most excited about is our STEM Ambassador program. We believe deeply that technical knowledge is only part of the equation. Our students need to be able to communicate complex ideas clearly, engage with their communities, and serve as advocates for the power of STEM to solve real problems. Whether they’re presenting research, mentoring younger students, or collaborating with industry partners, our students are learning that being a scientist or engineer means being able to connect with people and share your work in ways that matter.
Our students come to us with different interests, different backgrounds, different strengths, and that diversity makes us stronger. Whether they’re in middle school exploring what STEM could mean for them or specializing deeply in high school, they’re all part of a community that believes in their potential and challenges them to grow.
What drives me is thinking about the future, not just what our graduates will do tomorrow, but the world they’ll help shape in the decades to come. The work we do here ripples outward. Our students don’t just go on to successful careers. They become thoughtful, engaged citizens who tackle real problems in their communities and beyond. That’s the promise of our mission, and it’s what keeps me excited to come to work every day.
Jenn Cava
Director, Academy for Science and Design
About Jenn
Jenn Cava has served as Director of the Academy for Science and Design for over fifteen years. In 2024, she received the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership, a national recognition honoring exceptional school leaders. She holds a master’s degree from Brown University and is a certified school principal. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSS).