PSAA Welcomes New Leaders

Puget Sound Adventist Academy, in Kirkland, Wash., began the academic year with new leadership.

Rick Serns, principal, brings a rich background of experience in education and management. Most recently, Serns served as director of employee and labor relations resources in the Federal Way and Issaquah school districts, and as executive director of human resources in the Shoreline district.

Serns has 21 years of experience in the Adventist school system as assistant dean, teacher and principal at Colombia, Wisconsin, and Olympia Junior academies.

Serns holds a master's in school administration from Walla Walla University, a juris doctorate degree in education policy and management from the University of Oregon, and a degree from the University of Washington.

He is married to Valerie (Payne) Serns, also an educator. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Ken Cooper is the new business and facilities manager. A product of Adventist schools, Cooper's goal is to help make Adventist Christian education possible for every student who wants to attend. Cooper is a recent graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor's in business administration.

With experience in marketing and sales, Cooper brings enthusiasm and eagerness to the faculty team. He is married to Stephanie (Fetrick), an elementary teacher, and they have a young son, Jack.

Tyler Stewart is serving as PSAA's new chaplain and pastor of the Eastside Adventist Fellowship. Stewart was adopted from South Korea when he was 4 years old.

Growing up, he searched for God, and decided to join the Adventist church at age 19. A mission trip to Thailand during his college years altered his academic plans. He transferred to Walla Walla University to study theology. Stewart is married to Vonnette-Marie (Thompson).