At its annual meeting in June, the Special Education Foundation Board of Directors elected Michael Corry as the new chair of the SEF Board. Although Corry has been serving on the Board since 2018, he plans to guide SEF as it facilitates a neurodiverse careers initiative for area students. This initiative will foster career placement and meaningful employment opportunities with leading local companies.
Corry retired in 2018 after spending more than forty years as a Retirement Benefits Consultant as a Principal in The Todd Organization, a firm specializing in designing, providing financial options, and administering Executive Benefit Plans.
Mike and his wife Carol have two daughters and four grandchildren. Two of their grandchildren receive services from the Special School District, which is a major reason for Mike dedicating his time and efforts to helping and learning about the needs of children with disabilities.
Also elected were Michael Lackey as the board’s Vice Chair, Will Skowyra as Treasurer, and Dr. Julia Robinson Burke as Secretary. Lackey is the President and Managing Director at Total Rewards Strategies. Skowyra is an Account Development Consultant with Express Employment International. Dr. Burke is Chief Executive Officer with Educational Services by Burke, LLC.
In addition, Tracy Hayes was elected to her first term on the SEF Board. Hayes is a Senior Wealth Advisor in the St. Louis office of Mariner Wealth Advisors.
The SEF Board and staff also expressed their appreciation for long-time board member Debbie Bentele. Debbie, who most recently served as the President of the Board for the last three years, served 23 years on the Special Education Foundation Board of Directors. She was given a small gift by the board at the June meeting, her last as board President. Debbie will continue to be involved with SEF as President Emeritus and with our Women Leaders group.
To recognize Debbie’s extraordinary commitment to the Special Education Foundation for more than two decades, please consider making a donation in her honor.
