Savannah Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees earned the designation of Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA) 2024 Role Model Foundation Board Certification for the ninth consecutive year at TCSG’s Fall Leadership Conference.

The TCFA Role Model Foundation Board Certification is an annual certification process sponsored by the TCFA of Georgia, a membership organization that represents the 22 Technical College System of Georgia foundations and more than 600 trustees statewide.

The TCFA Delegate Council presents this award to encourage and recognize foundation boards that engage in outstanding business practices and demonstrate the highest level of commitment. In order to obtain the certification, not only does the board as a whole have to meet certain requirements, but each individual board member must meet specific requirements.

To be eligible to receive the certification a foundation must engage in best practices in nonprofit governance, board management, and operations; have policies in place to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, especially in financial matters; be led by a Board of Trustees whose members are actively engaged in the foundation’s development activities; and support the professional development and state-level participation of their Trustees, Executive Director and college advancement personnel.

All trustees must demonstrate active engagement in the work of the board through regular attendance at board and committee meetings and college and foundation events, participation in leadership activities and personal professional development, and fundraising on behalf of the board.

The STC Foundation Board of Trustees 2024-25 membership includes: David Burkoff, Chair; Jesse Dillon, Vice Chair; Kay Ford, Past Chair; Taylor Mongin, Treasurer; Gary Sanchez, At-Large; Sam McCachern, At-Large; Dr. Bertice Berry; Scott Center; Lisa Colbert; Patrick Connell; Monica Dorsey; Matt Dowling; Dr. Franklin Goldwire; Nina Gompels; Brynn Grant; Denise Grabowski; Nick Puhala; Alfonso Ribot; Steven Stowers; Cecilia Russo Turner; Michael Traynor; Stacy Watson; Dr. Fran Witt; and Maria Whitfield.

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

Local Board earns TCDA of Georgia, Inc. board certification for all members
Savannah Technical College’s Board of Directors earned 100% board certification for all members for the seventh consecutive year in academic year 2024. All local board members become members of the Technical College Directors’ Association (TCDA of Georgia, Inc.) when they join their respective local board. TCDA provides the training necessary to become a certified board member. To achieve the status of “certified board member,” board members are required to attend a series of professional development classes consisting of: new board orientation/governance; building relationships with elected officials; community advocacy; understanding the legislative budgeting process and financial management of technical colleges and an elective workshop.

In order to become TCDA Certified, a local board member must complete the four required workshops, one elective workshop plus two required and eight selected activities. Selective activities include attending 80% of local board meetings, going on a tour of the technical college, attending a TCSG State Board meeting or TCSG Leadership Conference, etc.

The STC Local Board of Directors 2024-25 membership includes Donald Lovette, Chairman (Liberty); Brandt Herndon, Vice-Chairman (Effingham); Dr. Kathleen Benton (Chatham); Col (R) Pete Hoffman (Chatham); Harry Lloyd (Chatham); William Mock (Chatham); and Tom Ratcliffe (Liberty).