The Board of Directors for the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools is composed of dedicated public education advocates from business , community and philanthropic organizations in Fresno .
Robert Nelson , Chairman Superintendent , Fresno Unified School District
Bob Nelson was appointed as superintendent of Fresno Unified School District in September 2017 , launching a new era of student progress , improved employee relations and expanded community partnerships for the state ’ s third-largest district . Nelson graduated from the University of Southern California ( USC ), completed his master ’ s in educational administration and supervision at Fresno State and then received his doctoral degree at USC . He has spent most of his career directly impacting Fresno Unified , starting as a teacher in 1991 at Burroughs Elementary School . Bob is the first internal employee to serve as Fresno Unified superintendent in 30 years . “ College was the first time I truly stepped out of my comfort zone and was present with people that weren ’ t the same as me , people who thought differently than I did .”
Misty Her , Vice Chairman Deputy Superintendent , Fresno Unified School District
Misty Her was appointed deputy superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District in March 2021 . This role has allowed her to continue to improve student progress , build and develop employee relations and expand community partnerships on a deeper level . Deputy Superintendent Her has been a part of Fresno Unified for her entire career , starting as a preschool aide and teacher in grades second through sixth . Deputy Superintendent Her became the first Hmong vice principal in Fresno Unified , and two years later became the first Hmong woman principal in the United States . She has also served as an instructional superintendent with School Leadership . Her believes her calling is to lead educational missionary work to change the lives of children and their families in a positive way . She knows the decisions she makes can change the trajectory of young people . Deputy Superintendent Her believes helping others realize their full potential is the greatest gift she can give and that it is incredibly powerful to invest in and inspire hope in youth . “ Just when I thought college wasn ’ t an option , I received three scholarships that changed my life .”
Wendy McCulley , President / Executive Director Chief Engagement and External Partnerships Officer , Fresno Unified School District
Driven to close the achievement gap for low-income students , Wendy McCulley leverages her extensive business and academic experience to increase access points to high-quality education for the nation ’ s most vulnerable students . McCulley was the founding executive director of Fresno Unified ’ s Office of African American Academic Acceleration . “ The Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools is very personal to me because I ’ m one of our students . Thousands of Fresno Unified students and their families share a similar experience to mine , growing up with scarce finances and little resources .”
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