Piedmont Education Foundation Announces 2023-24 Board of Directors

Fundraising organization thanks outgoing board members, welcomes new ones

Piedmont Education Foundation is pleased to welcome eleven individuals who are passionate about fundraising for Piedmont schools to the Board of Directors for the 2023-24 fiscal year. After a thorough nominations and interview process, the PEF board voted to approve the applications of Jade Cameron, Marco Gonzalez-Navarro, Michael Gross, Kim Hunter, Judy Lin, Dana Murray, Ashish Patel, Max Roman, Julia Ruthven, and Jennie Stomberg, and the reinstatement of Sara Davison DeVries who took a two year hiatus to lead the middle and high school parents clubs.

“We are thrilled to introduce our incoming slate of board members — a group of accomplished individuals who bring a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for our mission,” says Board Chair Amelie Kappes,”We look forward to working together to drive meaningful impact and growth for PEF.”

Jade Cameron, an expert in employment law, joins PEF because of shared values of community, engagement, and connection. Professor Marco Gonzalez-Navarro wants to help Piedmont schools continue to thrive. Michael Gross is an active member of Beach Dad’s Club, and Kim Hunter, while not working as an assistant district attorney, has volunteered toward the success of the Giving Campaign, Harvest Festival, Spring Fling, and other PEF fundraisers. Judy Lin currently leads operations for the largest non-profit educational partner of the National Parks Service and looks forward to building resources for PUSD. Dana Murray and Julia Ruthven co-chaired this year’s successful Giving Campaign and both bring exceptional marketing, analytical and communications skills to the board. Dr. Ashish Patel has significant executive-level board experience and will bring that expertise to PEF, and Max Roman, a Piedmont native, wants to use his skill with investments and negotiations to ensure his children have an even better educational experience than he did. Jennie Stomberg, a forensic accountant, brings important audit and governance skills to PEF, and Sara Davison DeVries returns to support the grantmaking process with even more insight into district leadership.

Amelie Kappes is looking forward to working with each of the new members and adds, “As we welcome new board members, we also bid farewell to some of our long-standing members whose unwavering commitment and valuable contributions have helped shape our organization. We are grateful for their service and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.” Rolling off the board are Cortney Allen, Francis Hoang, John Orta, Sarah Puckett, Rick Smith, Linda Smith Munyan, and Rebecca Thornborrow.