BookSpring’s Board of Directors is comprised of individuals committed to ensuring we do the best work possible in pursuit of our goals to serve children and families in Central Texas. Board members are active participants in our annual evaluation and planning efforts. They volunteer their time to actively participate in committees and help fundraise in support of our programs. Board members are BookSpring’s greatest advocates and absolutely instrumental in helping us continue to serve our community.
Farwell to Exiting Board Members
We offer our heartfelt appreciation for our exiting Board President Jillian Bergman and exiting board members Mary Darby, Suresh Pahwa, Teresa Zimmerman, and Rakima Dolliole Parsons.
Jillian served as Board President from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. She believes that by focusing on the common goal of creating positive reading experiences for children, educators, and parents, and by providing effective tools and strategies to do so, we can help kids develop the tools they need for success. Jillian continues to serve on the board and lend her expertise to the Finance and Nominations and Governance Committees.
Mary Darby served as Chair of BookSpring’s Nominations and Governance Committee for three years. She led the recruitment of fifteen new board members of varied backgrounds and skillsets to add new diversity and depth to the makeup of the board of directors. Mary says, “It was fun and interesting for me to meet so many new, talented, and supportive people in the community.”
She believes reading opens our eyes to the world around us and allows us to see the world from the perspective of others. Mary said, “There is no greater gift we can receive! I encourage our readers to consider making a contribution to BookSpring as you are investing in the youth of Central Texas by allowing this great organization to purchase age-appropriate and educational books to distribute to those less fortunate. This summer, books are especially important since children are home and seeking activities. $10 can make one child extremely happy!”
We also want to recognize and thank Suresh Pahwa, who served as a past President, Teresa Zimmerman, and Rakima Dolliole Parsons for serving on the board and being BookSpring Champions. Champions share their gifts in service to our mission by providing our organization with their philanthropic support, advocacy, network of colleagues and experts, and by raising community awareness of our early literacy mission
Welcoming New Leadership and Board Members
We are thrilled to announce Michelle Bourianoff is our newest Board President! Michelle as passionate about literacy and supporting communities in need. We also welcome our new board members Carrie Conner, Seth Koppel, Susan Patterson, and Brain Wood! Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for their features.
BookSpring board and staff continue to collaborate and strategize on how to best reach children and families. Thanks to our collective efforts we earned a 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar by sharing metrics about our impact.