Pinellas Education Foundation awards 2023 ChangeMakers

A coalition of business leaders and community members who support education in Pinellas County has presented its annual awards.

The Pinellas Education Foundation advocates for public education achievement, creates programs to improve student and teacher performance and raises funds for scholarships, grants and teacher recognition. On Dec. 8, the foundation held its annual ChangeMakers Breakfast, celebrating the work of those who work to improve the lives of the students and support teachers in Pinellas County schools. The event recognizes local companies, individuals and organizations that have made an impact on local public education.

The event, held at Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, included performances from Pinellas County students, including student vocalist Aubrey Indorf from Dunedin High School and the Jamerson Jammers, a drumming ensemble from Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary School

The foundation awarded Gary Regoli, CEO of Achieva Credit Union, as its 2023 Champion of Education. Regoli served on the Board of Directors for Pinellas Education Foundation for more than 15 years and has helped foster a robust partnership between Achieva and the foundation, leading to multiple sponsorships throughout Pinellas County schools, support of Northeast High School’s Academy of Finance, grant programs and scholarships.

“This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated team and a reminder of our unwavering commitment to empower and inspire through education,” Regoli told the Catalyst. “As a company founded by seven teachers, we understand the transformative power of education. Sponsoring education isn’t just a commitment; it’s our mission.”

Gary Regoli is President and CEO of Achieva Credit Union and the Pinellas Education Foundation’s 2023 Champion of Education Award recipient. Photo provided.

“Going back 15 years to see Gary’s leadership and thinking about the impact that he’s had on our schools, I can see it firsthand in a generation of students who have learned tremendous skills and are now employees at Achieva, Raymond James and Wells Fargo,” said Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. “Many of those students had a start at the Achieva branch on the Northeast High School campus.”

During his speech at the foundation’s ChangeMakers event, Hendrick emphasized how these community and business partnerships are helping improve student achievement outcomes throughout the district.

“In September of this school year, our board approved a new district strategic plan and three-year plan, and in doing so, they heard from members of the community, businesses, students, teachers and many stakeholders who gave us feedback,” he said. “Part of that feedback was continuing to find ways to engage the business community. They want your school system to be successful, and they stand by you to help you.”

Pinellas Education Foundation also awarded its Elementary Partner of the Year to Young at Heart, a Largo-based nonprofit with a mission of “supporting the children of Pinellas County.” Young at Heart was nominated by High Point Elementary, where the nonprofit has donated approximately $50,000 and volunteered regularly over the past decade.

Pinellas Education Foundation also awarded its Secondary Partner of the Year to Raymond James Bank and its District Partner of the Year to the Pinellas Park Sams Club.