Melissa Holdaway, July 2010, Mover

Posted on 24. Jun, 2010 by trish in West Valley 24

As someone who has valued and pursued her own education vigorously, Melissa Holdaway is now leading and inspiring others to do the same as Chief Operating Officer of Arizona Charter Academy in Surprise.  Holdaway has been largely responsible for building the nine-year-old school from the ground up.  “We started with just over 100 students and now have 650, a large sports program, solid academics, and students who give back to the community,” she said. Holdaway was working as Director of Underwriting at Insurers Administrative Corporation in 2001 when her aunt and uncle, who have backgrounds in education, applied for a charter to open ACA.  “I wanted to know my work made a difference in the lives of other people.  I resigned from my position and made a complete career change.” With small classrooms, individualized curriculums, and unique opportunities for community service, ACA promotes personal student attention and achieves great educational results from Kindergarten through Grade 12.  The Arizona Department of Education has designated ACA as “Performing Plus” and the school has been accredited by the North Central Association. Holdaway’s work toward improving education is not limited to ACA school grounds.  Nominated by the Governor and approved by the Arizona Senate, Holdaway now represents the West Valley as the region’s only Commissioner on the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education.  She is also an Advisory Board Member for several educational associations. With an understanding of the value of education, Holdaway has continued to pursue her own.  She completed the Ken Blanchard Executive MBA Program at Grand Canyon University in 2008.  She is also a member of the current Leadership West class, and her group has launched a “Learn Don’t Burn” skin cancer prevention campaign. Holdaway resides in Surprise with her husband, Shawn, and daughters, Lauren and Emily.

Years in West Valley? 30

Favorite quote: “One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson

What’s your favorite book?   I am passionate about reading….  One book that had a significant impact on me early in my career was Failing Forward by John Maxwell.

What you miss most? Eating whatever I want and not gaining any weight!

What do you know about life that you wish you had known 10 to 20 years ago? That you don’t have to be all things to all people to be successful, find your strength zone, your “sweet spot” and live there.

Most coveted: Time with my family

What would your super power be? To be in two places at one time!

What’s your nickname?   Natasha
Describe yourself as a child:  I knew from the age of 5 that I wanted to be a “business woman.”  I was goal driven, intrinsically motivated and very competitive.  While I call it developing my leadership skills, my older brothers would say I tended to be very bossy.

What’s your favorite food? Chocolate and just about anything,  I love it all.

Greatest Extravagance: Travel – I enjoy the history of each city, state and country I visit.  I consider travel to be one of the best investments in both my education and that of my family.  In fact my kids say “does everything have to be educational?”

Tell us something about you that perhaps the average person wouldn’t know? I moved a lot when I was younger and came from very humble beginnings.  In fact, our family once lived in a camper at a KOA for 3 months before we moved into our mobile home.

What originally drew you to the West Valley? We moved to the West Valley from Flagstaff when I was in elementary school.
What drives you? The fact there is so many hurting people who need someone to believe in them and help them be successful in life.  I thrive on a new challenge, especially if the odds are insurmountable.

What is the secret to your success? I recognize most of my growth comes from going through challenges and painful lessons and I have learned to appreciate these times without getting discouraged. I tend to be tenacious about the goal and don’t give up (even when I want to).

How do you feel the West Valley has affected you, and how do you feel you’ve affected the West Valley? I grew up, went to school, was married, and am raising my family in the West Valley so it holds many special memories for me.   I hope I’ve affected the West Valley by not only providing a school that is passionate about helping students but by getting involved and being the community.

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