Debra Alexander has served as an active member of the Copperstone Education Board of Directors since 2024, bringing more than two decades of expertise in organizational development, leadership coaching, and systems transformation to the organization. A seasoned organization development (OD) consultant, Deb advises Copperstone Education on organizational structure, leadership alignment, and professional development strategy to ensure sustainable growth and operational excellence.
With over 20 years of experience designing and leading initiatives across both public and private sector organizations, Deb has conducted comprehensive organizational assessments, developed strategic policies and programs, and coached senior leaders in managing change and navigating complex transitions. Her work has consistently focused on building high-performing individuals, teams, and institutions in the United States and internationally.
At Copperstone Education, Deb plays a key advisory role in strengthening internal systems and advancing the organization’s professional development initiatives. She provides strategic guidance for PD programming, including Common Core Boot Camp—the region’s largest single-day professional development experience serving U.S. curriculum and international schools. Her expertise ensures that Copperstone’s PD offerings remain rigorous, relevant, and aligned with global best practices in leadership and instructional effectiveness.
Deb has held progressively responsible senior-level positions within the U.S. Federal Government, where she developed deep expertise in executive leadership, policy implementation, and organizational transformation. She also served as a senior coach with the Excellence in Government Fellows Program, where she designed and developed the program framework and curriculum, coached fellow executive coaches, and delivered experiential leadership learning experiences for senior government leaders. In addition, Deb currently serves on the faculty of Georgetown University’s Organizational Consulting and Change Leadership Program, where she contributes to developing the next generation of organizational consultants and change leaders. Her commitment to leadership excellence, structural clarity, and transformational growth aligns closely with Copperstone Education’s mission to deliver high-impact academic and professional learning experiences worldwide.

Tony Crawford is an American educator with more than 40 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, mentor for teachers in training, consultant, and educational leader. Motivated by the belief, “Who dares to teach must never cease to learn,” Mr. Tony consistently supports fellow educators in the pursuit of innovative practices and professional growth. He currently serves as Vice President of Education at Copperstone Education.
Throughout his career, Mr. Tony has served as a teacher consultant for the National Geographic Society, chaired the National Education Association’s Resolutions Committee, and served on both the Oregon High School Diploma Requirements Task Force and the Oregon Legislature’s School Accountability Task Force. He has also been a member of the NEA’s Teacher Professional Standards and Practices Committee.
Mr. Tony has worked as an accreditation reviewer for schools throughout the Middle East region and currently serves as a trustee on the Western Oregon University Foundation Board. When he is not supporting schools and educators, Mr. Tony enjoys training for marathons.

Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge has served on the Copperstone Education Board of Directors since 2024, bringing more than four decades of international leadership, economic strategy, and Pan-African engagement to the organization. As Executive Chairman and Managing Director of JFPI Corporation—Africa’s largest private economic empowerment conglomerate—and Chairman of the African Diamond Council (ADC), Africa’s official diamond governing body, Dr. Ngenge offers Copperstone Education a rare combination of policy insight, economic expertise, and cross-continental influence.
Widely regarded as a trusted advisor to African heads of state and senior government officials, Dr. Ngenge has contributed to high-level discussions on economic development, strategic partnerships, resource governance, and nation branding. His experience operating at the intersection of public policy, private enterprise, and international diplomacy provides valuable strategic perspective as Copperstone Education evaluates growth opportunities and long-term expansion across Africa.
A recognized Pan-African bridge builder, Dr. Ngenge has spent decades strengthening ties between Africa and its global diaspora. His leadership in international cultural initiatives—including his appointment as Chairman of the Mandela International Film Festival—reflects his commitment to elevating African excellence on the world stage. Through JFPI Corporation and its subsidiaries, he has overseen multinational media, entertainment, and cultural ventures across more than 12 languages, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of global markets, branding, and cross-border engagement.
At Copperstone Education, Dr. Ngenge advises the Board and executive leadership on strategic partnerships, regional positioning, and responsible expansion initiatives throughout the African continent. His deep relationships across government, business, and cultural sectors help guide the organization’s efforts to build sustainable educational programs and collaborative opportunities in emerging markets.
Dr. Ngenge’s lifelong commitment to empowerment, mentorship, and institution-building aligns closely with Copperstone Education’s mission to expand access to high-quality academic preparation and student development services worldwide.

George T. DeBakey brings more than 40 years of international business experience spanning both the private and public sectors. Throughout his career, he has helped educational organizations expand their presence across the Middle East and other global markets, while also supporting U.S. and international companies seeking to enter and grow within the U.S. education sector. His expertise spans K–12 education, international schools, higher education, and strategic market development.
Mr. DeBakey has worked across a wide range of education sectors, including educational technology, gaming and esports, Arabic language resources, assessments, language learning, vocational education, eBooks, reading and literacy, science and mathematics, special education, social-emotional learning, STEM, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), artificial intelligence, robotics, professional development, virtual schools, online learning, and digital course development. He has partnered with organizations from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Estonia, and across the Middle East.
As a strategic advisor to Copperstone Education, Mr. DeBakey joins the organization to strengthen its global presence, expand strategic partnerships, and provide guidance on long-term growth initiatives. His extensive international network and deep understanding of global education markets will help advance Copperstone Education's mission of expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities and building meaningful collaborations worldwide.