Board chair Jan-Erik Hustrulid, Kevin Shimp, Kathryn Kelly, Bryan Filson and Armando LLechu
The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center, non-profit organizations that work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood, announce new officers and welcome four new members to their board of directors.
Jan-Erik Hustrulid, Business Development Coordinator at Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, was reelected chair of the board. Kenny Brewer, Manager, Non-Merchandise Procurement at Chico’s FAS, Inc. was elected vice chair, and Susan Ryan, Chief Financial Officer at Canterbury School, was reelected secretary/treasurer.
Four new members have been selected to serve on the board of directors. The new members are Jim Dwyer, Vice President, Strategic Development, Interop Technologies, Bryan Filson, Financial Planner, CRPS® with Mutual of Omaha, Armando Llechu, Chief Administrative Officer for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, and Kevin Shimp, President, Thomas Marine Construction.
Returning board members include Tracie Bagans, Cindie Barker, Richard Fain, John Grey, Luis Insignares, Li-Su H. Javedan, Teri Palmer, Richard Pitbladdo, Steven Sizemore and Terri Wade.
“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.”
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 Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.
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.
