Suzy Mortenson

President

Suzy Mortenson is pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the board of Advantage Arts Academy. She is a proud graduate of Southern Utah University. While at SUU, she also obtained her Secondary Education Teaching Certificate. Suzy loved her time in the classroom where she shared her passion and excitement for history, government, and current affairs with her students.

After spending some time in Washington D.C. working in the office of Senator Orrin Hatch, Suzy returned to Utah and built her career in the data center technology industry.

During this time she participated in the Women Tech Council and the Utah TechnologyCouncil. Currently, she works in several capacities for her family’s multiple businesses, all while keeping up with the very active lives of her wonderful husband and two children.

Crystal Thomas

Vice President

Crystal Thomas is an experienced educational leader and currently serves as the Vice Principal at Providence Hall. With a strong background in both elementary and secondary education, she is dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for all students. Crystal specializes in school safety, special education compliance, and student support programs, and she plays an integral role in initiatives that promote positive school culture and academic success.

Originally from the South, Crystal moved to Utah to attend the University of Utah and has since made it her home. She is passionate about education and deeply values the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors at Advantage Arts Academy. She is committed to supporting the school’s mission of integrating the arts into academic learning and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Outside of her professional role, Crystal enjoys cooking with her family and cherishes time spent creating memories in the kitchen together.

Darren Marshall

Financial Coordinator

Dr. Darren Marshall is the Associate Vice President of Budget and Planning for Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) overseeing a $211 million operating budget. Darren is involved with legislative processes and has been over the last 30 years. He enjoys strategic planning and visiting other institutions as part of the NWCCU accreditation work. His dissertation focused on Latino Education Policy and undocumented student success. Darren is also interested in studying the cost of education and how it impacts low-income students. He enjoys traveling, studying history, and learning languages. He is also an avid family historian focusing on DNA research. 

Meche Mellor

Board Member

Mechelle Mellor is an accomplished banking executive and operations manager with over two decades of experience at Zions Bank in Salt Lake City, Utah. Currently serving as Vice President and Private Services Operations Manager, Mechelle oversees operational training, compliance, and regulatory updates for a team supporting private banking clients. Her career at Zions Bank has spanned roles from Credit Analyst and Relationship Manager to Vice President, consistently focusing on client portfolio management, compliance, and operational excellence. 

Beyond banking, Mechelle is deeply engaged in leadership and service. She has held key volunteer positions with Alpha Phi International Fraternity International, including Collegiate Chapter Administrator, Board Member for 1872 Properties, Committee Member of Finance and Audit Standing Committee, Chapter Advisor and Chapter Finance Advisor.  She has also facilitated finance sessions at national conferences. Her commitment extends to board memberships, committee leadership, and volunteering with organizations such as the Snow College Foundation, American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Executive Women International. 

Mechelle Mellor holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Utah University and an Associate of Science, from Snow College. Her career is distinguished by a dedication to operational integrity, team leadership, and community impact.