May 26, 2009

Press Release

Tyler ISD Foundation Elects New Officers and Directors

Beginning its nineteenth year of supporting the innovative programs of Tyler Independent School District, the Tyler ISD Foundation elected officers and directors at its meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, in Tyler.

Tom Slack, Chief Executive Officer - HealthFirst Third Party Administrators was elected President of the Foundation.  Todd Cruthird, Vice-President - Texoma-Region, Suddenlink was elected Vice-President of Development; Holley Howard will serve as Vice-President of Programs; and Gay Smith as the Treasurer/Secretary. 

New directors include:  Price Arredondo, Director of Hispanic Business Alliance/Hispanic Business Office, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce; Kim Farrell, community volunteer; Jason Grigsby, Investment Advisor, RBC Wealth Management; Roy Martinez, Community Banking Sales Manager, Regions Bank; Ray McKinney, CPA, Gollob Morgan Peddy & Co., P.C.; Lisa Preddy, community volunteer.

Returning directors include: Mike Thomas, Mike Thomas, CPA, P.C.; Ross Conner, Conner Communities; Chris Jones, FirstBank, Tyler; Tab Beall, Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP; Lynette Birdsong, Birdsong Armstrong, P.C.; Betty Bower, community volunteer; Bill Coates, Gleiser Communications; Kathey Comer, Tyler Area Builders Association; Jack Davidson, Retired Superintendent; Carol Foley, community volunteer; Stacey Gregory, community volunteer; Randy Grooms, Citizen’s First Bank; Gary Gross, M.D., Blood and Cancer Center of East Texas; Charles Hill, Oncor; Holley Howard, community volunteer; Gary Howell, Hibbs-Hallmark & Company; Doug Hunsley, TRANE; Sarah Jacobi, community volunteer; Felicity Reedy, Genecov Group; Kristen Seeber, community volunteer; Lonny Uzzell, Southside Bank; Ed Wallace, E-Marr, LLC; Beth Whitney, community volunteer; Ron Vickery, Peltier Enterprises; Randy Reid, Superintendent, Tyler ISD.

“We are pleased by our 34 Board Directors and know that our mission to inspire, enrich and enhance the educational experiences in Tyler ISD will continue to make a positive impact on our community,” said Larry Goddard, who has served as Executive Director since 2006.  “Not only are we the model educational Foundation for Texas, but for the nation as well, thanks to the dedication of our Board Directors.”

Tracy Phelps begins her second year as Director of Development. 

“More than 500 donors contributed to the Foundation this year, more than double the number two years ago,” said Phelps.  “We know that the community of Tyler values education and we value our donors.”

The Foundation provides campus, district and teacher grants as well as teams of teachers grants.  It provides funding for Convocation, Teacher of the Year, and Tyler ISD Retiree luncheon.  In addition, the Foundation created “A Night of Shining Stars”—an annual recognition event for top graduating seniors and the Tyler ISD teachers they name as most influential.  This event has been honored as Best in the State of Texas and all donors to the Foundation are invited.

For more information, please contact the Tyler ISD Foundation Office at (903) 266-9805.

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