Piedmont Education Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

On May 20, the Board of Directors of the Piedmont Education Foundation (PEF) held their final meeting of the school year. The full agenda included a review of financial statements, approval of the PEF budget for 2026-27, nomination of the Executive Slate, and approval of the grant distribution plan for PUSD. The board celebrated a strong year for fundraising and community engagement and is looking forward to the future. The PEF Board of Directors also welcomed  incoming board members Billy Deitch, Mark McLaughlin, and Nellie Thornton, whose nominations were approved at the March meeting.

“We had an intensive round of applications, interviews, and vetting for next year’s board,” said Governance Committee chair Kim Hunter. “We look forward to a very productive year with these amazing individuals.”

Billy Deitch is a partner at Oak HC/FT, a healthcare-focused venture capital and growth equity firm. He serves on the City of Piedmont’s Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee and the Piedmont Pool Bond Oversight Committee. Mark McLaughlin leads the venture team at Alkeon Capital and has served on the board of the Piedmont Baseball & Softball Foundation. Nellie Thornton has spent nearly two decades in brand management, most recently with E&J Gallo Winery, and has served on the boards of the Friends of Rockridge Library and the Asian Art Museum. 

PEF Board terms are two years and members may be invited to renew twice, for a total of six years of service. Reaching their term limits this year are Sara Davison-Devries, Amelie Kappes, and Rich Thompson. Each has been a long-term board member and avid supporter of PEF’s mission. 

The PEF Executive Committee leadership team was also confirmed at the meeting. Bridget Schreiber will continue as Board Chair, Marco Gonzalez-Navarro and Adam Fishman will be Co-Vice Chairs, Julia Ruthven will be returning as Treasurer, Jennie Stomberg will be Secretary, and Catie Osborn will join the leadership team as Fundraising Liaison.

“I am proud of all our board has accomplished this past year,” says Schreiber, “People don’t always see what goes on behind the scenes. We have dedicated board committees that focus on the nuts and bolts, and they produce an incredible amount of work. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the year ahead.”