Roger Quarles is the Executive Director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation, an initiative-driven, private family foundation that invests time, energy, and resources into making Idaho a place to learn, thrive, and prosper. Through its work, the Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and expanding ways to learn; and to enhancing sense of place and community for all Idahoans.
Roger’s entrepreneurial spirit started at the age of 22, and nine years in the private business sector helped pave his way to serving a greater purpose in the field of education. Having served as teacher, principal, superintendent, and ultimately Idaho’s chief deputy state superintendent, he has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural education and appreciates the fierce independence of Idaho and Idahoans alike.
Roger has never been concerned about what has been, but rather about what can be. He proved this to be true during his tenure as the superintendent of the Caldwell school district, by taking the largest and most diverse district in Idaho from being one of the lowest performing to one of the highest performing districts within six years.
Prior to joining the Foundation in 2013, Roger was co-director of the Idaho Leads Project in Boise State University’s Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies, and served as an Associate Professor in the Executive Educational Leadership Program, designed for equipping superintendents to lead in the 21st century.
Roger remains active in the business community through his service on a variety of boards, including his recent appointment as Chairman of the Teach for America Regional Board.