The Blaine County Education Foundation has named Sun Valley resident Mike Burchmore as its new executive director.
Burchmore, who has served as education foundation co-chair for the past two years, replaces Becky Benson, who served as interim director since April following the resignation of Heather Crocker when she was appointed director of communications for the Blaine County School District. According to a press release, Benson will continue to serve on the foundation board of directors and will assist Burchmore in the day-to-day operations of the organization.
The foundation is a non-profit entity that supports educational activities within the school district. In the past year the foundation has distributed more than 100 grants for such things as professional development for teachers and project-based learning in classrooms. The organization describes is mission as to "focus community resources and raise funds for the Blaine County schools in order to promote academic excellence, equitable education and a healthy student environment."
<
Burchmore has three children attending schools in Blaine County and is an active parent volunteer at Hemingway Elementary School. He has 20 years' experience in marketing and scientific and management roles in the biotechnology industry and has a doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of California.
"I am pleased that we were able to hire a person like Mike as the executive director," said Mark Mary, who chaired the search committee. "Mike has been an active member of the BCEF board for the last three years and he will help to further the mission of the BCEF. The board would also like to thank Becky Benson for serving as interim director during this process."
"I have known Mike for five years as a parent at Hemingway and I have seen how enthusiastic he is about giving our children the best education possible," said Education Foundation Chair Patty Tobin.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
Mike Burchmore
