About Us – Manatee Education Foundation

Mary Glass
President

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