Governance

Board President

Diana holds a degree in Civil Engineering from UNIFACS and an MBA in Business Management from FGV. Her professional experience in the engineering field has enabled her to develop strong logical and practical skills. Throughout her career, Diana has gained experience in project management, quality management, social responsibility projects, and supervision of technical assistance and after-sales services. Working in her family’s construction company, where she held a leadership role, she further refined her interpersonal skills. Diana is a mother of three children, from classes of 2035, 2037, and 2039. Her husband is an entrepreneur in the healthcare sector. As a PASB alumna and mother of three current students, Diana is deeply committed to our community. She has been actively involved in various PASB projects, such as the construction of the New Hub, and the Pasbinha Library, among others. Her goal on the Board is to support the school’s long-term sustainability, ensuring that the institution’s mission and core values are upheld.

Board Vice President

Erica Rusch is a lawyer and Founding Partner of Rusch Advogados, a law firm based in Salvador and São Paulo, with national and international operations. She earned a master’s degree in Economic Law from UFBA and studied Comparative Environmental Law at the University of Texas at Austin and International Environmental Law at Pace University School of Law in New York. She was a university professor for many years. Erica works voluntarily on the Boards of other non-profit institutions, bringing her experience from these boards and her professional work in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to PASB. She was also a ballet dancer and studied at The Ballet Academy at the Vienna State Opera on a scholarship, bringing her experience in the arts to the institution. In addition, she completed postgraduate studies in Workplace Environment at Unifacs and in Environmental Law and Sustainability at PUC/São Paulo. Her family consists of three children who have attended PASB since 2013—two teenagers in High School and Middle School and one child in ECC. Her husband is a lawyer and was a university professor for fifteen years, holding a master’s and doctorate in tax law from PUC São Paulo.

Board Member

As an experienced entrepreneur with a background in corporate finance, logistics, and team management, Gonçalo brings diverse skills to the Board. His professional experience includes roles in financial control, logistics, sales management, tax planning, and civil construction projects. As a PASB alumnus and parent of two current students, he is deeply connected to the institution. Gonçalo actively participates in the Finance and Strategic Committees and is dedicated to supporting the school’s excellence and upholding its core values and mission.

Board Member

As a Senior Partner at his labor law firm with a Law Degree from Universidade Federal da Bahia and postgraduate studies in Civil Procedure Law and Public Law from UNIFACS Salvador, Ivan brings extensive legal expertise and fluency in English to the Board. He believes that active involvement from parents and associates is crucial for maintaining PASB’s high standards and quality. His goal is to contribute to decision-making processes that support the institution’s sustainable growth, emphasizing both the intellectual development and personal growth of our children.

Board Secretary

Matthew, a U.S. citizen with firsthand experience in both public and private schools near Boston and a graduate of Colgate University, moved to New York City after graduation, where he and his wife, Karla, raised their two sons. They were actively involved in two progressive schools: Blue School, where they helped adopt the school’s constitution, and LREI, where they participated in the Service Committee. Although his career is in business, not education, he believes deeply in the transformative power of education. As the founder and CEO of Quotable Cards, an Inc. 500 company, he developed skills in teamwork, planning, and adherence to core values. He is dedicated to applying these principles to support and strengthen the PASB community.

Treasurer

With a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and an Executive MBA from Fundação Dom Cabral, complemented by Six Sigma MBB, and several certifications that allow Patrícia to facilitate strategic and cultural transformations, she offers a rich background to the Board. Fluent in English, Spanish, and a French student, Patricia has 28 years of experience in different leadership roles within multinational companies, including expatriate positions in the USA and managing global projects. As a Transformational Facilitator, Mentor, and Coach of C-Level Executives, she has supported leaders worldwide. Patrícia is committed to PASB, drawn by its values and mission during this global transition. Her focus is on enhancing the school’s impact by nurturing well-rounded individuals through strong family-school partnerships. She aims to provide a visionary perspective, challenge the status quo, and leverage her extensive experience in leadership, process management, and human development.

Board Member

With a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, postgraduate studies in Occupational Safety Engineering, and an MBA in Integrated Business Management, Rodrigo brings extensive experience to the Board. While not fluent in English, Rodrigo has working knowledge of the language. For 26 years, he has worked as a Safety Engineer in various industries, including steel manufacturing and plastics, and served as a labor court expert in Bahia for 20 years. He also provides consulting in occupational safety across sectors like industry, energy, construction, and services. His leadership experience includes serving as a director and counselor at the Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy of Bahia (CREA/BA). He is dedicated to using his expertise to help PASB maintain high standards and foster sustainable growth, ensuring the continued excellence of our educational environment.

Board Member

With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bucknell University and a strong background in engineering, Thomas brings valuable skills to the Board. His experience as an entrepreneur and in finance has provided him with a solid foundation in business management. Having previously served on the Board of Trustees, Thomas is committed to leveraging my experience to contribute to the continued improvement of our school and community. His goal is to support the school’s mission and enhance its impact on students and families.