Biography
As a charter school leader, Dr. Keefer is able to couple his past experiences working with UPS, and his dealings with Fortune 500 companies and apply them systematically to students in public education that are continually left behind. Dr. Keefer co-founded Pacific Charter Institute in 2005 and works with a team supporting four charter schools including Rio Valley Charter School, Heritage Peak Charter School, Sutter Peak Charter Academy, and Valley View Charter Prep. In 2022, Pacific Charter Institute launched its first site-based school, New Pacific School Roseville, and will launch New Pacific School Rancho Cordova in the fall of 2023. The five schools serve over 3,000 students collectively in 16 different counties. Much like the varying needs of customers at UPS, Dr. Keefer works with his team to create systems to effectively manage an organization that extends over 10,000 square miles and yet still meet the needs of individual students with all abilities.
I want all students to be able to achieve their full potential regardless of their race, what zip code they live in, and whether they are rich or poor. Each student is unique and we must support and provide educational choices that allow all students to thrive. In order to implement this vision, we must attract and retain the very best teachers in a time where teacher shortages are commonplace. We need to treat our employees well so that they will stay and persuade other high-performing teachers to join.
In the community
In addition to his role as founding Executive Director of Pacific Charter Institute since 2004, Dr. Keefer has always been very active in the community. He is a member of multiple chambers of commerce and serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Sacramento. Dr. Keefer participates in the homeless initiative called Carmichael HART and volunteers as the district chairperson for the Three Rivers District of the Golden Empire Council for the Boy Scouts of America. He also supports scouting as an assistant scoutmaster while he and his family represent three generations of Eagle Scouts. Since 2018 Dr. Keefer has served on the Sacramento County Board of Education as trustee for Area 3, which covers portions of Carmichael, North Highlands, Antelope, Arden Arcade, College Greens, and Sacramento. Dr. Keefer and his wife share three children.
