GTCF Welcomes Two New Board Members

Released 12/16/21 5:00pm
Media Inquiries Contact:
Megan Sukys, 253.345.4173
VP Communications, GTCF

TACOMA, WA – Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the addition of two  new members during their annual meeting on December 15th. Ivan Harrell and Michael Yoder will officially begin their terms in January 2021.

Ivan Harrell

Having a passion for community college education, Dr. Harrell strives every day to lead a group of professionals in providing the best environment, programs and services students need to complete their academic and career goals. 

Dr. Harrell most recently served as the Executive Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Before Georgia Piedmont, he served as the Vice President of Success at Lone Star College, Dean of Student Affairs at Anne Arundel Community College, Coordinator for Student Affairs at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and Assistant to the Vice President at Tallahassee Community College. 

Dr. Harrell is a published author, having written or co-written at least eight scholarly articles and book chapters. He has also served as a presenter at numerous local, regional and national conferences and seminars. Dr. Harrell completed his doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.) at Florida State University, where he defended his award-winning dissertation, titled, “Using Student Characteristics to Predict the Persistence of Community College Students Enrolled in Online Courses.” He holds a master’s degree (M.Ed.) from Vanderbilt University, and a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from Wittenberg University. 

Michael Yoder

Mike joined the Associated Ministries team as Executive Director in August 2015, bringing more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership roles. Mike says: “I’m energized by the vital role that Associated Ministries has played for 50 years spearheading faith-based efforts to positively impact social needs in our community. I believe a new movement of interfaith service and cooperation is being raised up in Pierce County, with AM and its congregational partners serving as catalysts behind effective efforts to address homelessness and other vulnerabilities.” 

 As part of his three decades of work with international religious and humanitarian organizations, Mike has traveled to 30 countries and is a dedicated observer of news and trends affecting nonprofits and social justice issues. He earned a degree in Communications from California State University and lives in Puyallup with his wife, Debbie; they have an adult son and daughter who both live locally. 

GTCF’s Board of Directors governs the organization, establishes policy, sets priorities, and approves grant recommendations. All members are volunteers.

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Greater Tacoma Community Foundation connects people, knowledge, and funding to build a thriving Pierce County, now and into the future.  

Through financial stewardship of more than 450 funds, with over $100 million in assets, as well as strategic funding and partnerships with the community, GTCF provides philanthropic support to meet the community’s needs and achieve its opportunities. 

As a nationally accredited nonprofit community foundation, GTCF has inspired generosity across generations within Pierce County since 1981. Learn more at https://www.gtcf.org