NWFSC Foundation Hosted its Annual Board Installation and Recognition Ceremony

The Northwest Florida State College Foundation held its Annual Board Installation and Recognition Reception on Thursday, August 22, 2024, to welcome new Foundation directors, recognize new officers, thank outgoing directors, and highlight some of the Foundation’s many accomplishments within the last year.

Alan Wood, 2023-2024 Foundation Board Chair, recognized the Foundation’s two outgoing board members, Dr. Bo Arnold, past Foundation Board Chair; and Gordon King, Chief Executive Officer at Okaloosa Gas District.



Alan Wood presented Steve Rhodes with the Chairman’s Award. This award is given to a Foundation Board member who has led by example and whose efforts have positively enhanced the organization. The CEO of Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative – or as we all know it, CHELCO. Mr. Rhodes arrived in our community in 2013, coming here from Indiana. He has worked in the electrical cooperative industry since 1988. Mr. Rhodes has served our Foundation Board since July 2021 before stepping into a leadership role as Treasurer this fall. Mr. Rhodes first and most noted, support to this Foundation was volunteering to head the Investment Services RFP Evaluation Committee Ad Hoc Committee. The committee received 15 proposals with a combined 1000 pages to review and Mr. Rhodes met the challenge head-on to determine the best group to manage our portfolio.

Mr. Wood closed his remarks by noting two important decisions this board accomplished during the 23-24 fiscal year. The first was the Board’s thorough review and consideration to approve the loan to Raider Village, LLC, that we see the new student housing. The second was the decision to sell our EBS license the direct its proceeds and the lease payments we’ve collected over the years to support the new endowment for Raider Athletics. He also noted through our fundraising, wise investing in a strong economic market, and the sale of the EBS license, we saw our total assets grow by $7.8 million this fiscal year – ending the year at $69.1 million.

Mr. Jonathan Ochs, the 2024-2025 Foundation Chair, recognized Mr. Wood’s service as Chairman and presented him with a crystal gavel. Mr. Ochs introduced the newest members of the Foundation Board, Tim Bolduc, Amanda Grandy, Fred Ketchem, Eric Navarre, and Dolores Noechel. He then recognized the 2024-2025 Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, Vice chair, Cindy Frakes; Treasurer, Steve Rhodes; Past Chair, Alan Wood; Secretary, Chris Stowers, Executive Director of the Foundation; NWF State College Interim President, Dr. Cristie Kedroski; Trustee Liaison, Don Litke. Mr. Ochs closed his remarks by reiterating that the Sound the Siren Campaign for Raider Athletics is a top priority, he encouraged us to continue to grow our annual fund while increasing scholarships and reminded us of our goal to have 100% board participation in annual fundraising.

Northwest Florida State College Interim President, Dr. Cristie Kedroski, closed the program by encouraging Foundation members to continue their great work and reminded them that in the college's season of change to be mindful of the Foundation's mission, to utilize donor gifts to support the college, enhance our community and improve students lives.