Rooted in Community. Committed to Students. Inspired by Generations.

Our History

Since its founding, the North Thurston Education Foundation (NTEF) has been powered by visionary leaders, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and community champions who believe deeply in supporting students and schools across the North Thurston School District.

What began as an idea in the 1980s has grown into a lasting legacy of opportunity, equity, and impact.

Where it all began

The Founding Vision (1986–1990)

  1. 1986In 1986, Dr. Roy Pedersen, Dr. John Gott, and Dr. Sue Shannon conceived the idea of creating a nonprofit educational foundation to serve students and schools within the North Thurston School District.
  2. 1988A Task Force conducted a feasibility study in 1988 to explore the vision. The group was chaired by Judy Bergvall and included Ken Balsley, John Brown, Karen Lundahl, Hertica Martin, Ken Parsons, Mike Pastore, Cam Sherwood, Earlyse Swift, Barbara Schneider, Ward Tappero, Judy Wilson, and student representatives Amy Wusterbarth and Marta Lowe.

Original Board of Trustees

Judy Bergvall (President), Charles Boyns, John Brown, Barbara Dittrick, Gene Dolan, Nader Ghafoore, Lynda Heusman, Lela Kriedler, Gene Liddell, Ken Parsons, Barbara Schneider, Lloyd Stewart, Ward Tappero, and Judy Wilson.

First-Year Officers (Elected January 1990)

  • Ken Parsons, President
  • Lela Kreidler, Vice President – Resource Development
  • Gene Dolan, Vice President – Awards & Disbursements
  • Duke Watson, Vice President – Resource Management

Their leadership laid the foundation for what NTEF would become: a community-powered organization dedicated to student success.

Foundation Presidents

Throughout the years, strong volunteer leadership has guided the Foundation’s growth and impact:

  1. 1989Judy Bergvall (Initial Board of Trustees), 1989
  2. 1990–1992Ken Parsons, 1990–1992
  3. 1993–1996Alan Corwin, 1993–1996
  4. 1997–1999Katie Collins, 1997–1999
  5. 2000–2002Judy Berg, 2000–2002
  6. 2003–2004Thelma Mosebar, 2003–2004
  7. 2005Paul Garrett, 2005
  8. 2006–2007Jon Halvorson, 2006–2007
  9. 2008–2010John Mansfield, 2008–2010
  10. 2011–2017Carletta Garraway, 2011–2017
  11. 2018–2024Blake Knoblauch, 2018–2024
  12. 2024–PresentChristine Forrey, 2024–Present

Each president has strengthened the Foundation’s commitment to educational opportunity and community partnership.

Long-Term Board Leadership

Many trustees have dedicated nearly a decade of service to NTEF. Board members are limited by by-laws to three terms of three years each (nine consecutive years).

The Foundation gratefully recognizes those who completed nine years of service (not necessarily consecutive):

Judy Bergvall, Judy Berg, Katie Collins, Ian Edlund, Jon Halvorson, Sam Hunt, Robyn McLean, Carol Merritt, Thelma Mosebar, Ken Parsons, Judy Wilson, Alan Corwin, Cindy Coble, Tom MacRobert, Dorn Barr, Beth Utto-Galarneau, and Brenda McAferty.

From the very beginning, Judy Wilson, Ken Parsons, and Gene Dolan provided critical guidance and stability that helped shape the Foundation’s future.

Partners for Kidssince 1989Serving every North Thurston Public School

Behind the scenes

Unsung Heroes & Transformational Giving

Behind the scenes, community advocates have made extraordinary impact.

Local CPA Bill Bergquist and retired high school librarian Irene Clise played a pivotal role in sharing the Foundation’s story with potential donors. Their advocacy resulted in transformational gifts, including:

  • The Violet Davies bequest of $225,000 (1994)
  • The John and Opal McGimpsey donation of $700,000 for Student Assistance Grants (2006, distributed over three years)

These gifts significantly expanded the Foundation’s ability to provide meaningful support to students.

$225,000Violet Davies bequest · 1994
$700,000John and Opal McGimpsey donation for Student Assistance Grants · 2006

With gratitude

Ring of Honor Recipients

The Ring of Honor recognizes individuals and families whose leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact.

  • Gene Dolan (2019)
  • Jon Halvorson (2019)
  • The McGimpsey Family (2019)
  • Sue Shannon (2019)
  • Ken Parsons (2021)
  • Ron & Carol Busche (2021)
  • Bill Williams (2021)
  • Carletta Garraway (2021)
  • Dorn Barr (2022)
  • Mike Jones (2023)
  • Brenda McAferty (2024)
  • Beth Utto-Galarneau (2025)

Friends of the Foundation

NTEF is deeply grateful for the businesses, organizations, estates, and individuals who have supported our mission over the years.

Friends of the Foundation include (but are not limited to):

  • 1st Security Bank
  • ACU Foundation
  • Dorn Barr
  • Nick Barr
  • BECU
  • Benevity Community Impact Fund
  • Beverly J. Benner Estate
  • Larry Blume
  • Carol & Jim Brewer
  • Ron & Carol Busche
  • Cathleen & Charles Callahan
  • George H. Carl Trust
  • Chicago Title
  • Community Foundation
  • Cooper Moss Advanced Dentistry
  • Alan & Robin Corwin
  • Dawkins Foundation
  • Marie Demme
  • Dutch Bros. Coffee
  • Karen Eitreim Estate
  • First Citizen Bank
  • Fisher Jones Family Dentistry
  • Fred Meyer – Lacey Store
  • Susan Gillis
  • Dr. John Gott
  • Lewis R. & Edna C. Hawthorne Trust
  • Help Us Move In
  • Heritage Bank
  • Sandra Hill Estate
  • Maryke Hines
  • Hops N Drops
  • Lisbeth Johnson
  • Dennis Johnston
  • Phil & Carol Juergens
  • Carolyn Keck
  • Sarah Ketter
  • John & Gloria Kuula Estate
  • Lacey Firefighters Charity
  • Lisbeth Lahaug
  • Young Hak Lee
  • Jane & David Lehnis
  • Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
  • Mary P Dolciani Halloran Foundation
  • John & Opal McGimpsey
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Bob Mosebar
  • David & Linda Newsome
  • Jeff & Nancy Neyenhouse
  • Thorstrom-Smith Nishon
  • Nisqually Indian Tribe
  • Nobis Global Holdings
  • Norcliffe Foundation
  • NTEA
  • O Bee Credit Union
  • Olympia Choral Society
  • Olympia Federal Credit Union
  • Charlotte Otto
  • Claudia Page
  • Frank Parker Trust
  • Jane Parks
  • Ken Parsons
  • John & Nelda Patton
  • Peak Credit Union (TwinStar)
  • Nancy & Scott Peebles
  • Phoenix Holdings & Development
  • Carol Porter
  • Prime Lending
  • Puget Sound Energy
  • Paul and Carole Ressler
  • Rotary Foundation – Hawks Prairie
  • Rotary Foundation – Lacey
  • Seattle Foundation
  • Kristy & Craig Shanafelt
  • Dr. Sue Shannon
  • Heather Sweet
  • Priscilla Terry
  • True Responders
  • Umpqua Bank Community Foundation
  • U.S. Martial Arts Center
  • Stuart & Carol Vannerson
  • Van’s Burger
  • Venture Bank
  • Vert Chiropractic – Virginia & Dr. Marum
  • Washington State Taekwondo Foundation
  • Frank Wells Estate
  • John Williams
  • Windermere Foundation
  • David Witiak
  • WSECU

Donor Recognition

We also recognize the many individual and corporate donors who contribute annually and whose generosity is acknowledged in our Annual Report.

To recognize donors in perpetuity who have made single gifts of $2,000 or more beginning in 2005, the Foundation maintains permanent acknowledgment of their generosity.

Individual and corporate donors are recognized annually, and all gifts receive proper acknowledgment for IRS purposes. Gifts made in honor or memory of a loved one are recognized with notifications to the family.

A Legacy That Continues

For nearly four decades, the North Thurston Education Foundation has been strengthened by those who believe that investing in students strengthens our entire community.

We honor the leaders who built this Foundation — and we look forward to the generations who will carry it forward.