BRIDGEPORT— Foundations in Education, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Summa of Rye, New York, to its Board of Trustees.
“We are delighted to welcome Paula to the board. Her expertise in financial matters and heart for children are of great benefit to our work helping more children experience a transformative Catholic education.,” remarked Board of Trustees chair, Tom McInerney.
Ms. Summa brings many years of experience in various financial and general management positions at IBM. During her career she has held positions as CEO of IBM Digital Sales and CFO posts in IBM’s Global Geographic Units and Global Financing, Latin America Unit and Small and Medium Business Units, as well as other financial executive roles. Paula holds a bachelor of arts degree and a master’s degree in Accounting, as well as an MBA in Accounting and Finance from Pace University. Ms. Summa was a member of the Pace University Lubin School of Business Advisory Board and volunteers with Foundations in Education as a member of the Finance and Innovation and Leadership Committees.
“I am looking forward to working with such a group of dedicated and talented people on this board. They have positively impacted the lives of so many children, and are tireless in their efforts of providing an opportunity to receive a Catholic education to those who may never have had that chance. I am humbled to serve with such a remarkable team of people,” commented Ms. Summa.
“Continuing to grow a strong and talented board is an ongoing priority for us,” remarked Holly Doherty-Lemoine, executive director. “We are exceedingly grateful to Paula, who brings her many professional talents as well as a personal commitment as a trustee, given she too is a product of Catholic schools. Paula is ideally positioned to help make a significant difference for our students.”
The newest member joins the existing Board of Trustees led by Chair Thomas McInerney. Other members include: David Cappiello, George Coleman, R. Bradford Evans, Lisa Ferraro Martino, Timothy FitzPatrick, Michael Hanlon, Leslie Lopez, Andrea Maldon, Anne McCrory, Thomas McDevitt, Dr. Julia McNamara, Michele Mitola, Joseph Purcell, Geoffrey Raker, Bernard Reidy, Barbara Ripp, Gerard Robilotti, Henry Rondon, Robert Scinto, Michael Shea, Jennifer St. Victor-de Pinho, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, and Holly Doherty-Lemoine, ex officio.
Foundations in Education is the realization of the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano’s vision to support the Diocese of Bridgeport’s ongoing mission to advance Catholic education in Fairfield County. The primary purpose of this non-profit initiative is to support Catholic education by providing tuition assistance for elementary school students and Innovation and Leadership grants for teachers and administrators that promote classroom innovation and professional leadership development and other education-based programs. This year Foundations in Education has awarded nearly $2.5 million in tuition assistance. Since inception the Foundation has awarded thousands of children more than $18 million in tuition assistance.
(For more information about Foundations in Education, visit www.foundationsineducation.org.)
