Our Team
John Guyer – Chief Executive Officer
John Guyer is the Chief Executive Officer.
John joined Summit Academy Management (SAM) in 2005. During his tenure, John served as a Network Engineer, Executive Director of Information Technology, Interim Chief Executive Officer (2015 and 2016). While in the Interim CEO position, he continued to ensure SAM’s financial stability and to enhance the transparency of the organizational culture.
John also has served as Chief Operating and Compliance Officer, and he worked diligently to increase efficiencies and compliance.
Through each of his employment assignments, John has embraced the task of trust-building and enhancing communication flow and transparency.
Before joining SAM, John worked for several private-sector companies — including OMNOVA Solutions, Wayne Dalton Corp., and Smart Solutions — where he specialized in telecommunications and information systems.
John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Malone University. In addition, he received technology education from the National Institute of Technology, Lakeland Community College, and the University of Phoenix. He also holds certifications in CISCO CCNA, and Six Sigma Green Belt.
Rick Rockich – Chief Finance Officer and Summit Educational Foundation Interim Director
Rick brings extensive experience in both the community school and private finance sectors. Most recently, he has served as the vice president and CFO for Oakmont Education, LLC in Akron, contributing significantly to the school’s fiscal stability during his six-year tenure with the organization. Prior, Rick served as the vice president and CFO of Paradigm Equity Strategies for five years. His earlier positions include those of vice president of investment banking for Tripoint Global Equities and financial advisor for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
Rick says the profound impact Summit Academy Schools have on students drew him to the organization. As CFO, Rick says he looks most forward to working with our team to serve our current students and to reach future ones. Rick received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Master of Taxation and MBA, all from The University of Akron. He is the founder and chair of the Team Donnie Golf Outing benefitting Akron Rotary Camp. In addition, Rick is the past director of the Autism Family Foundation and former chair of the OAK Foundation.
Born and raised in Akron, Rick is an avid golfer. He enjoys time spent with his family above all. Rick’s wife, Marcie, who works in human resources, is a tennis enthusiast. Their daughter, Stella, 8, is an all-around athlete who participates in lacrosse, cheer and tennis.
Mark Michael – Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
As Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Mark brings more than 25 years of experience in legal and academic leadership to Summit Academy Management.
Prior to joining SAM in 2018, Mark was the Director of the Office of School Sponsorship for the Ohio Department of Education for seven years. Earlier, he served as Assistant Legal Counsel for the State Board of Education and the Ohio Department of Education, assuming duties ranging from managing administrative hearing processes to providing legal counsel for community school/sponsor law, child nutrition programs, ethics, public records and several other areas.
Mark previously served as Senior Assistant Attorney General for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office (Education and Health and Human Services sections) for four years.
Mark is admitted to both the Ohio Bar Association and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. He earned his Juris Doctorate and Master of Laws (Taxation) from Capital University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University.
In 2014, Mark was one of 11 members selected nationally to participate in the National Association of Charter School Authorizers Leaders Program.
Heather Singer – Superintendent
Heather Singer is the Superintendent for Summit Academy Schools. She began her career with Summit in 2004 at Akron Elementary as the primary teacher for kindergarten and first grade. In 2010, she transitioned to SAM as a Curriculum Administrator and was promoted to Curriculum Director in 2016. Heather is currently responsible for the purchasing and implementation of curriculum aligned to our tiered instruction model and state standards. In addition, she provides assistance to staff members in regards to licensure, professional development, and instructional technology integration. Heather oversees the curriculum administrators, federal programs, and instructional technology coaches; all focused on providing quality support to both staff and students.
Heather received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Akron in 2004 and her Master’s Degree in Evaluation and Measurement from Kent State University in 2009. In her free time, Heather enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She resides in Akron, Ohio with her husband and two children.
Amy Hovanec – Senior Executive Assistant
Amy Hovanec joined Summit Academy Management in November 2022 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. She reports to CEO John Guyer and provides administrative support to the Executive Office, Leadership Team and SAM Board.
Amy brings extensive experience to Summit Academy. Prior to joining SAM, Amy worked for the Timken Family Partnership as the Executive Assistant. Earlier, she held executive assistant and executive administrator positions for local companies and organizations, including OMNOVA Solutions and Ben Venue Laboratories.
“I believe in the purpose behind the mission, and I am looking forward to assisting in management’s efforts and to help grow the achievements of the Summit Academy community,” Amy shared.
Amy attended The University of Akron for undergraduate studies. In addition, she has received training and certifications in a multitude of areas including Lean Six Sigma and project management.
