Terry Simmers, President/CEO of the GiveWell Community Foundation announces that five new board members have joined the community foundation’s board of directors: Wesley Barnett, Jean Bostick, Kimberly Elmhorst, Tom Oldt, and Renee Pobjecky.
A native of Lakeland, Wesley Barnett is a managing partner with Treetop Software. After graduating from All Saints Academy in 2004, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Wake Forest University’s Calloway School of Business and his Master of Business Administration from UCLA Anderson. Wesley is involved in a wide-ranging collection of activities throughout Polk County and the State of Florida, including start-up investments and real estate development. He is also deeply committed to improving the community through philanthropic endeavors, most recently assisting with the annual United Way campaign, serving on the board of The Children’s Movement, and as a founding member of Bonnet Springs Park. Wesley currently resides in Winter Haven with his wife, Ashley Bell, and daughter, Raleigh.
Jean Bostick works at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management with a background in finance and curriculum development. She holds a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Florida and Master of Business Administration in Financial Analysis from Duke University. Jean is a native of Winter Haven who volunteers with the Lewis Family Cancer Fund and enjoys traveling, dogs, and sporting clays.
Kimberly Elmhorst was raised in Lakeland, having graduated from Lakeland Senior High School and Florida Southern College. Her love of service began at FSC where she served as the Student Government Association (SGA) President. She is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class 28 and a proven leader in our community. Her community activities include serving on several boards, such as United Way of Central Florida, Lakeland Vision (past chair), and Bonnet Springs Park Advisory Board. Kimberly lives is Lakeland with her husband, Kurt, and two children, Kelsey and Kale.
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Tom Oldt grew up in Winter Haven, where he became an Eagle Scout. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Prior to entering the securities business, he worked as a research librarian at The Washington Post, covered Congress as a writer for The Energy Daily, was a reporter for The Ledger and the St. Petersburg Times, and taught history, economics and government. Since 1994, Tom has served as a registered representative and general securities principal specializing in a broad spectrum of retirement planning. He is an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and sits on several community boards. Tom’s interests include history, skiing, the fine arts, and aviation.
Renee Pobjecky is an immigration attorney in Winter Haven with her firm, Pobjecky & Pobjecky, LLP. She received her B.A. from the University of Central Florida and her Juris Doctorate from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is licensed to practice law in Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas. Renee is a nationally-recognized speaker and published author on immigration law issues. Renee is active in the Winter Haven community and serves on the Board for several nonprofit organizations.
“The board of directors is the backbone of our Community Foundation,” said Terry Simmers. “We are very fortunate to have such talented leaders joining our board. I look forward to the contributions our new board members and new officers will bring to our organization.”