About Us

About Us – Manatee Education Foundation

Mary Glass - President

Mary Glass
President

Jeramiah Bowman

Jeramiah Bowman
Director of Educational Programs

Organization

The Manatee Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in 1988, which provides indirect support to the Manatee County School District through a variety of programs that benefit students and teachers. The Foundation acts as a liaison between the private sector and the public school system providing avenues for business, industry and community involvement in public education. Our mission is accomplished by addressing key issues and needs within the public education arena, and presenting effective, efficient and accountable opportunities for the private sector to support quality public education.

Mission

The mission of the Manatee Education Foundation is to provide funding for innovative programs and enhanced educational opportunities for the teachers and students of Manatee County Public Schools beyond allocated state dollars.

Goals

The goals of the Foundation are to:
 Collaborate with community, civic and business leaders to support educational opportunities and programs.
 Provide supplemental funding for creative and innovative educational programs which cannot be funded through traditional resources.
 Motivate, encourage and recognize outstanding achievement by teachers and students in K-12 education.

Board of Directors 2024-2025

Executive Committee

Brando Fetzek, Chair
NDC Construction

Nathan Carr
Willis Smith Construction

TJ Kornett, Vice-Chair
Hancock Whitney Bank

Mark Freeman 
ME&S General Contractors

Ross C. Hodges, Treasurer
SouthState Bank

Board Members

Linda Agresta
School District Manatee County

Kevin Chapman
School District of Manatee County

Samantha Cummins
Williamson Design Associates

Stephanie Edwards
Kona Ice of Manatee County

Darrell King
Early Learning Coalition

Jeff Podobnik
Pittsburgh Pirates

Dr. Jason Wysong
Superintendent, School District of Manatee County

Jackie Barron
Mosaic

Chad Choate
School Board of Manatee County

Vernon DeSear
Manatee Memorial Foundation

Stu Henderson
Fawley Bryant Architecture

Zachary McClary
Gilbane Building Company

Warren Simonds
Community Representative

Mary Glass
President