Bio
Erik Twist earned his BA in Political Science from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and his B.Th. from Oxford University. He has worked extensively in the area education for over 20 years, starting his career as a K-8 music teacher and youth minister in Texas. After graduate school, he moved back to his home state of AZ where he began working in the charter sector. He has been with Great Hearts since 2009, starting as a Dean of Students for Veritas Preparatory Academy where he also taught 7th grade Literature/Composition, 8th grade Medieval History, and 9th grade Humane Letters. Later, he was the founding headmaster of Archway Classical Academy Veritas, and served as Vice President over all Great Hearts’ K-5 academies. Currently, he is the President of Great Hearts Arizona.
Mr. Twist was appointed in 2017 to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, the regulatory body overseeing all charter operators across the state. He is also a member of the board of the Arizona Charter Schools Association, the largest charter advocate in the state.
Outside of education, Mr. Twist was a founding member of the lay group, Catholic Phoenix, serving as its President from 2011-2017. He also served as board chairman for AZ Right to Life from 20010-2013. Additionally, Mr. Twist is a founding partner of Illuminare Publications which provides liturgical resources for parishes across the country.
Erik and his wife, Allison, have six boys and live in Phoenix.