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Chad Bays

Co-Founder & CEO
As the Co-Founder and CEO of Academic Opportunity of Arizona (AOA), Chad Bays brings passion, commitment and determination to level up Arizona’s K-12 education and bring immediate impact to our under-served communities inside and outside the classroom. Entrepreneurial, curious and optimistic by nature, Chad is grounded with a deep sense of humor, perspective and constant drive for growth personally and professionally.

As a native of Arizona, Chad watched his mother dedicate her career and time to early childhood education for 30+ years as an elementary school teacher. Witnessing his mother’s passion for change and the daily impact she made on her students, set the early groundwork for Chad’s mission and the creation of AOA. 
 
Chad attended Northern Arizona University (Go Jacks!) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Public Relations & Advertising). After spending over a decade in the “traditional” corporate worlds of real estate, insurance & finance. While witnessing his mother succumb to cancer at relatively early age (61), Chad knew there was more to life than the “Traditional” and has spent the last seven years on a mission to increase awareness and education for those students and families who need it most.

Chad is always looking to grow, he completed The American Express Leadership Academy, at the ASU Lodestar Center (Summer 2021) and most recently, selected for this year’s Valley Leadership class of 2021/22. He’s been committed to the Greater Phoenix community as a Past Active member of The Phoenix 2030 Club. Chad sat on the Executive Council and was recognized by his peers as the *Rookie of Year / *Man of the year / (2009-2014)

Chad’s embracing a new stage in his life, as a proud father of one year-old son and husband to amazing wife. Both motivate and inspire him beyond his wildest dreams. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, staying active outdoors and watching his son experience all the world has to offer.