About our BASIS Ed Co-Chairmen

Peter Bezanson and Patti Bezanson are the dynamic co-chairmen of BASIS Educational Ventures, steering one of the most celebrated and innovative education models in the United States. Together, they have been instrumental in ensuring the continued success while driving the rapid expansion of the BASIS Charter Schools network, recognized for its high-achieving academic program and consistent ranking among the top public schools in the nation.

Peter Bezanson holds a BA from St. John’s College and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, his home state. Beginning his career in academia, Peter transitioned to the K-12 education sector, where his expertise in critical thinking and educational theory now drives his strategic leadership. Peter’s love of teaching math led him to want to lead other teachers who loved teaching math, which in turn led him to want to lead a school, and then, a network of schools. Peter has held numerous leadership roles within the organization, including CEO of BASIS Ed and CEO of BASIS Ed Texas, before becoming co-chairman of BASIS Educational Ventures in 2023. Hired by the network’s co-founders in 2014 during the network’s early expansion, Peter’s leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the schools’ hallmark academic rigor, and in amplifying that growth, particularly outside of BASIS’ home state of Arizona. His dedication to the intellectual curiosity and innovation inherent in the BASIS model has cultivated a thriving community of learners and educators at dozens of campuses nationwide.

Patti Bezanson, a Michigan native, earned her BA from Oakland University and brings a diverse background in education and operations – and even has experience as a professional actor. Her roles in education span marketing, enrollment, school management, and operations, both domestically and internationally. Patti played a key role in the network’s foray into international education as VP of Operations for BASIS Global and CEO of BASIS Overseas Educational Services. As CEO of BASIS Ed Texas, she oversaw expansion into new markets and brought the renowned BASIS Charter School Curriculum to thousands of new students and families. In 2023, Patti was named co-chairman of BASIS Educational Ventures, bringing together the entirety of her experience at the network.

Together, the Bezansons are an unmatched team – and they are BASIS parents, too! As owners and co-chairmen of the network’s parent company, BASIS Educational Ventures, they are dedicated to the continued expansion of the network’s reach. Under their leadership, BASIS Educational Ventures continues to redefine what is possible in K-12 education, offering students from diverse backgrounds access to world-class opportunities and preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.