Dr. Libby Hart-Wells dons many hats, but the tallest of those is her role as a strong education advocate and proud SUSD parent. Libby currently manages technology transfer at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, the nation’s largest university-affiliated research center dedicated to solving complex research, engineering, and analytical problems that present critical challenges to our nation. Previously, Libby served as Vice President at the Purdue Research Foundation and as Assistant Vice President of Research at Purdue University, and as Associate Director, Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, a direct reflection of her abilities to identify and establish collaborations between and among synergistic entities. New knowledge creation is a lifelong passion and led to her serving as a senior fellow to the United States Congress and as a research associate to The National Academies Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy. Libby is a critical and strategic thinker who brings a unique and transferable skill set that, coupled with a strong work ethic, dedication and honesty, benefits and informs governance.

Julie Cieniawski has been a Scottsdale resident for over 27 years. Born and raised in New Hope, Minnesota, she attended neighborhood public schools and is a first-generation college graduate, receiving both her bachelor’s and master's degrees in education from the University of Minnesota.  With more than 30 years in the classroom and as a community leader, Julie understands the importance of honest and transparent decision-making, the necessity of fiscal accountability and the need to prioritize resources towards student-relevant initiatives. She believes all students deserve to be successful and be inspired to follow their hopes and dreams. 

Julie has been an advocate for public education at the local, state and national levels, supporting collaborative decision-making while serving on school and District committees on curriculum development, assessment and grading, teacher evaluation, restorative justice practices, middle schools, wellness, school safety, and school budgets. She has worked on SUSD Bond and Override oversight committees, served as Scottsdale Education Association President for three years, during which she supported best teaching practices, ideal learning environments and ensuring a commitment to excellence on every SUSD school campus, and served proudly on the Arizona Education Association’s Board of Directors for six years. Julie believes in treating students and school staff with respect and dignity, and, along with parents, including them in District decision-making processes. While an SUSD teacher, Julie received the Scottsdale Unified School District Foundation’s Quest for Excellence Award recognizing Excellence in Civic Leadership and was named a Scottsdale Charros Outstanding Teacher. Julie and her husband have two children, both of whom attended SUSD schools.

Amy Carney is a former journalist who attributes her successful writing career to her public school education and the mentorship she received growing up in Indiana. Amy is an author, freelance writer, and public speaker, and created a line of products helping parents raise their children with more joy and purpose.

Amy has been a resident of Paradise Valley since moving with her husband to Arizona in 1998. Her six children - 5 sons and 1 daughter - have all attended Scottsdale Unified Schools. Amy sees this new role as a Scottsdale Unified Governing Board Member as an extension of her personal and professional advocacy of strengthening children, families and the community. She is also a champion for foster care adoption here in Arizona.

Carine Werner is a mother, entrepreneur, business owner, and former finance professional. Highlights of her career include facilitating more than $100 million of commercial and residential loans, hiring, developing, and training more than 150 lenders, and creating the most six-figure income earners in her organization. Werner has been an active public-school mom for nearly a decade. She and her husband of nearly 30 years have three children, all graduates of Scottsdale Unified.

Werner brings to the Board a common-sense leadership style with an enduring passion for securing our children's future, ensuring respect for parents and teachers, and building consensus without compromising values.

Werner immigrated to the United States as a child without any knowledge of English. Her personal experiences create a deep understanding of the English Language Development (ELD) community, and her professional and personal success are examples of all that can be achieved in America, regardless of one’s post-high school path.

Werner has stepped away from her family business to focus full-time on her role as an SUSD Board member. Werner’s goals include improving the quality of education offered to Scottsdale students and ensuring their safety on all SUSD campuses.