Foundation and Advisory Council

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The Renton Technical College Foundation

The RTC Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the mission of Renton Technical College to prepare a diverse student community for the job market and fulfill the workforce needs of business and industry. Founded in 1993, the Foundation is part of the Office of the President and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors in legal partnership with the college. Under IRS code, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and is classified as a public charity in IRC sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1).

We support student success through scholarships, emergency grants and program support. Our top strategic goal is to expand the Foundation’s fundraising capacity to ensure all students have access to RTC’s award-winning educational programs and career training. The Foundation also supports RTC’s exceptional faculty and staff through professional development and recognition. We sponsor conferences and symposiums and work to ensure that RTC’s programs provide students the most innovative and cutting-edge technology and equipment.

We do this through:

• Alumni giving
• Annual and major gifts
• Capital campaigns
• Community partnerships
• Corporate grants & sponsorships
• Foundation Board support
• In-kind donations
• Payroll deductions from faculty & staff
• Planned giving and bequests
• Special events

If you would like more information on how to invest in student success, please contact Carrie Shaw, Foundation Executive Director, at (425) 235-2415 or email her at cshaw@RTC.edu

Foundation Board of Directors

Stan Kawamoto - President
J Harper Contractors (Retired)
Appointed: 2014

Karen Hansen - Vice President of Finance
Wyman and Associates
Appointed: July, 2014

Reba Haas - Vice President of Membership
Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside
Appointed: May, 2016

Fernando Del Valle - Vice President of Development
Albert Lee Appliances (Retired)
Appointed: March, 2018

Chae Kim - Secretary 
Legacy Group Interiors
Appointed: March, 2018

Brent Camann
Q Hospitality Management
Appointed: January, 2018

Brenda Collons
Hydrogen Advertising
Appointed: September, 2018

Margarita Esquivias
Student Representative
Appointed: November, 2017

Bonnie Nichols
Ernst and Young, LLP
Appointed: March, 2016

Tyler Page
Board of Trustees Liasion
Appointed: September, 2016

Susan Palmer
International Association Machinists & Aerospace Workers
District Lodge 751
Appointed: November, 2016

Meylin Rauda-Marquez
Student Representative
Appointed: November, 2018

Carol Simpson
City of Newcastle
Appointed: March, 2016

John Sothern
UW Medicine (Retired)
Appointed: July, 2014

June Stacey-Clemons
Higher Education Consultant
Appointed: February, 2016

Warren Takata
RTC Automotive Faculty
Appointed: September, 2017

Jay Townsend
First Financial Northwest Bank
Appointed: February, 2016

Ex-Officio Members

Dr. Kevin McCarthy
RTC President

Eduardo Rodriguez
RTC Vice President, Finance & Administration

Carrie Shaw
RTC Foundation Executive Director

The Renton Technical College Advisory Council

A key contributor to the college’s success in training students is its advisory committees. The RTC Advisory Council, whose membership consists of volunteers from business, industry, labor, and community-based organizations, advises administration on issues related to all of its instructional programs. Special emphasis is placed on Carl D. Perkins and Worker Retraining programs.

Professional-technical programs, apprenticeship programs and non-professional-technical programs are also served by separate program advisory committees, which are comprised of volunteer representatives from management and labor who are currently working in the applicable field. These committees work with faculty and administration to ensure that program content is consistent with current employment needs; recommend competent journey level workers and technicians as instructors; assess the adequacy of facilities, supplies, materials and equipment; monitor each program’s placement record; and evaluate overall program performance. Annually, each committee specifies in writing whether a program should be expanded, curtailed, maintained or abolished. These dedicated advisory committee members volunteer their time and energy to ensure that the college provides quality education.

Advisory Council