A Garner community leader and veteran of Desert Storm is the newest member of the Wake Tech Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Board welcomed Elmo E. Vance Jr. at its October meeting. Vance was chosen because of his proven leadership abilities and his successful track record in fundraising.

Vance is a civil engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. As a project manager, he evaluates environmental impact and other factors for the DOT’s major highway and bridge projects.

Prior to his current position, Vance served in the U.S. Army for 10 years, including a tour of active duty during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He rose to the rank of Commander, managing a team of engineers that developed computer simulation models and ensured the reliability of combat support systems.

Vance is active in his community and serves on the Town of Garner Planning Commission and the Garner Revitalization Association. He is a leader in his church and is working toward a Masters of Divinity degree at Shaw University.

Vance joins current board members Matthew Black, David Campbell, Elizabeth Clay Bradley, W.H. “Bud” Coggins, Linda Coleman, O. Morton (Mort) Congleton (ex-officio), Joseph (Joe) Cooper (chair), Mike Desmond, Judy Fourie, Lawrence Hamilton, Jill Heath, James Herbst, James (Jim) Holmes, Clyde Holt, James (Jim) Ingram, Gary Jordan, Gloria Lopez, John McKinney, Arne Morris (treasurer), Jim Perry, James Roberson, Alden (Al) Schnaidt, Dr. Stephen Scott (ex-officio), Rachel Selisker, Ed Turlington, Walter Wells and Gary Williams.

Potential new members of the Foundation Board are first approved by a nominating committee and then voted on by the entire Board. Responsibilities of board members include establishing policy, raising and managing funds, fostering relationships with potential donors, and supporting the objectives of Foundation staff. Board members serve three-year terms.

About the Wake Tech Foundation:

The Wake Tech Foundation’s mission is to partner with corporations, foundations, and individuals to support Wake Technical Community College’s institutional and instructional needs. In the 2008-2009 school year, more than 200 students continued their education with the help of a Foundation scholarship or emergency financial assistance loan. To date, nearly 200 employees have received financial assistance to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree, doctorate, certificate, licensure or other professional development through the Foundation’s tuition assistance program. For more information, visit http://foundation.waketech.edu.