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About Us
Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford is a volunteer driven organization that has been recognizing and supporting excellence in education since 1997 when the Rockford Public Schools Foundation merged with the Community Education Foundation to create Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford. The idea for this unique recognition program originated with Don Zimmerman, a retired teacher and local residential building contractor, and Dr. Richard F. Novak, a retired pathologist and professor. Upon witnessing a successful program in Florida, together they enlisted the support of the business community to begin recognizing teachers in the Rockford Public Schools. The Foundation continues to operate on the generous financial support of community businesses and individuals.
Today, Golden Apple Foundation recognizes and supports teaching excellence and increases community involvement in education throughout Winnebago and Boone Counties through Golden Apple Teacher Recognition, Golden Apple Teacher Academy and Golden Apple Classroom Grants.
Board of Directors
PresidentChristie Stenstrom Jarrett
Jarrett Custom Homes
Treasurer
Roger Boeke
Boeke & Associates, LTD.
Vice President Communications
Eleanor F. Doar
Amcore Bank
Vice President Events
Amy Larson
US Bank
Vice President Fund Development
Pam Keeling
Vice President Programs
Jan Jones
Vice President Resources
Frank Walter
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Academy Representatives
Katherine Cassioppi
Christina Magee
Directors
Jack Becherer, Ed.D.
Rock Valley College
Sheri Casey
Pacemaker Foods
John Demopoulos
National City Bank
Jody Goff
Goff Communications
Greg Graber
23 WIFR
Terrie Hall
Rockford Area Association of Realtors
John Hartwig
Tom Lasley
Rockford Register Star
Pam Maher
KMK Media
Melissa Marsden
Nate Martin
Dick Rosenstiel
Northwest Bank
Michael Schablaske
Woodward Governor
Bern Sundstedt
Rockford College
Barb Tanaglia
Fisher Biosciences
James H. Waddell
Hamilton Sundstrand
Mary Ann Wham, Ed.D.
Northern Illinois University
Susan Whitcher
Emeritus Directors
Teresa J. Ingrassia
Verne Loeppert
Dan Loescher
Richard Novak, M.D.
David Thompson
Don Zimmerman
R. Ray Wood
Executive Director
Lori Berkes-Nelson
