The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center Announce New Board Members

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 19, 2015 - PRLog -- The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center, non-profit organizations that work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood, announced that five new members have been selected to serve on the Board of Directors.  The new members are Kim Agypt, Kenny Brewer, Susan Ryan, Brad Shultz and Violetta “Vee” Yerrid.

“Serving on the board of thriving non-profits like The Heights Foundation and the Heights Center requires dedication, time and a commitment to improving the community,” said Heights Foundation President and CEO, Kathryn Kelly.  “We are grateful to our new, current and past board members for providing their time and talents to make a positive impact on the lives of families in Harlem Heights.”

Kim Agypt recently relocated to Southwest Florida with her husband Ron. Kim was able to be a stay at home mom for her now grown three sons and provide them with love, attention and financial stability.  Kim grew up in a neighborhood of public housing and received every opportunity to succeed.  Kim feels that all children should be given an opportunity to thrive and experience life outside of their neighborhood.  She has a love for children and is passionate about seeing them reach their full potential.  Kim is grateful that she found The Heights Foundation so she can share that passion.   She also enjoys volunteering at The Heights Center’s after school program.

Kenny Brewer is a Florida native, raised in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. After graduating in 1983, Kenny served 9 years with the U.S. Armed Forces as a Data Telecommunications Sergeant. Returning to Florida as a civilian in 1992, Kenny began his corporate finance career with nationally known retailer, Chico’s FAS, Inc. During his 13 year tenure, Kenny has served as a corporate representative for multiple local and national charities.

Susan Ryan is the Director of Finance and Operations at Canterbury School in Fort Myers. She is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and prior to relocating to Fort Myers she was the Chief Financial Officer at Boston College High School.  Susan has spent more than 20 years in educational finance, working at Boston University and Babson College where she completed her MBA in 2006.  She recently completed a six year term on the Board of Trustees at Cristo Rey Boston High School, which utilizes an innovative work-study program to provide an affordable Catholic education to students with limited financial resources.

Brad Shultz is Vice President – Senior Relationship Manager with Wells Fargo Business Banking.  He is a former educator and coach.  He is Treasurer of the Uncommon Friends Foundation and the Education Committee Chair and a member of The Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Hall of Fame Advisory Board.  Brad has a passion for helping organizations that foster youth development.

Vee Yerrid is the former Executive Director and board member of Make-A-Wish Foundation Sarasota/Tampa Bay.  She also served as Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Arden Merckle, Chief Judge and Honorable Dennis Alvarez, Chief Judge, Hillsborough County for ten years.  She moved from Tampa in 2012.

For more information about The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.  The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  As a 501(c)3 grassroots organization, the Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.