STUART\u00a0\u2014 The Education Foundation of Martin County, the Martin County School District\u2019s strategic nonprofit partner, is strengthening its ability to support students, educators and schools with three\u00a0new\u00a0team\u00a0members\u00a0bringing expertise in education, fundraising, communications and community engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach of these\u00a0new\u00a0team\u00a0members\u00a0brings a unique set of talents and experiences that will help us reach more students, support more educators and strengthen our impact across Martin County,\u201d said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. \u201cTogether, they expand our capacity to connect our schools with the resources, relationships and opportunities our students and teachers need to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nikki\u00a0Hackett, program specialist,\u00a0brings more than a decade of public school teaching experience on Florida\u2019s west coast, as well as firsthand knowledge of Martin County schools. A Martin County School District graduate, Hackett returned to her hometown and remained active in local education as a volunteer, including serving as president of the PTSA at Seawind Elementary School.<\/p>\n
Hackett earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in early childhood education from the University of South Florida. She lives in Hobe Sound with her husband and two children, who both attend Martin County public schools.<\/p>\n
Terri\u00a0Smith, organizational support assistant,\u00a0brings experience in educational development, fundraising and event coordination, including organizing annual auctions supporting school fundraising efforts. A Penn State University graduate with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management, Smith adds expertise in organization, coordination and relationship-building.\u00a0She lives in Stuart with her husband and is the proud mother of two daughters, both graduates of Jensen Beach High School who are now pursuing their college education at Penn State University and Cornell University.<\/p>\n
Dave\u00a0Bohman, communications specialist,\u00a0joins the Foundation following a 47-year career in local television news. An anchor, reporter and investigative journalist, Bohman earned more than 100 broadcast awards, including six Emmy Awards. He spent the final six years of his television career as an investigative reporter for WPTV in West Palm Beach. A Syracuse University graduate, Bohman brings extensive experience in storytelling, interviewing, investigative reporting and community engagement.\u00a0He has two daughters who both live and work in New York City.<\/p>\n
Together, the\u00a0new\u00a0team\u00a0members\u00a0expand the Foundation\u2019s capacity to connect community resources with the needs of local schools and share the stories of its impact.<\/p>\n
\u00a0About the Education Foundation of Martin County<\/p>\n
The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) is the Martin County School District\u2019s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County\u2019s public schools.<\/p>\n
As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching.<\/p>\n