Achieving our Full Potential!

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools is composed of dedicated public education advocates from business, community, and philanthropic organizations within the city of Fresno.

Robert Nelson, Ed.D., Chairman

"College was the first time I truly stepped out of my comfort zone and was present with people that weren’t the same as me, people who thought differently than I did."

Robert Nelson, Ed.D., Chairman

Superintendent of Schools, Fresno Unified School District

Robert "Bob" G. Nelson was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Fresno Unified School District in September 2017, launching a new era of student progress, improved employee relations, and expanded community partnerships for the state’s third largest district. Superintendent Nelson graduated from the University of Southern California (USC), completed his Master’s in Educational Read More

Misty Her, Vice Chairman

"Just when I thought college wasn’t an option, I received 3 scholarships that changed my life."

Misty Her, Vice Chairman

Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Fresno Unified School District

Misty Her was appointed Deputy Superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District in March 2021. Stepping into this role has allowed her to continue to improve student progress, build and develop employee relations, and expand community partnerships on a deeper level. Misty has been a part of Fresno Unified for her entire career, starting as a preschool aide and teacher in grades second Read More

Wendy McCulley, President/Executive Director

"The Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools is very personal to me because I’m one of our students. Thousands of Fresno Unified students and their families share a similar experience to mine, growing up with scarce finances and little resources."

Wendy McCulley, President/Executive Director

Chief Engagement and External Partnerships Officer, Fresno Unified School District

Driven to close the achievement gap for low-income students, Wendy leverages her extensive business and academic experience to increase access points to high-quality education for the nation’s most vulnerable students. Wendy is the Founding Director of Fresno Unified's Office of African American Academic Acceleration Read More

Elizabeth Dooley, Treasurer

"You have the confidence within you to do what you really want in life. During the challenging moments, remember that you have the ability to overcome obstacles by tapping into your resiliency and asking for help."

Elizabeth Dooley, Treasurer

President and Chief Executive Officer, Educational Employees Credit Union

Elizabeth "Beth" J. Dooley has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) since December 2007. Prior to joining EECU, Ms. Dooley was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Credit Unions for the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) by Governor Gray Davis, continuing her service under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Read More

Antonio Avila, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA, Secretary

"Financial support represented so much more than money. It represented someone’s belief in me, my talents, my capabilities, and my future."

Antonio Avila, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA, Secretary

Principal Architect and Director of Design, Darden Architects

Antonio “Tony” Avila has been the Principal Architect and the Director of Design with Darden Architects. He is a licensed architect and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Tony is a native of Fresno and a product of Fresno Unified Schools. As a graduate of Fresno's Leading Young Professionals Downtown Academy inaugural class and Read More

Allysunn Walker, MBA, MPH

"“Growing up in the Midwest, my working-class parents truly valued education. All 5 of us kids went to college, but I was the only one who completed the 4-year degree.  Scholarships proved to be the differentiating factor." "

Allysunn Walker, MBA, MPH

Board Member

Allysunn is CEO of Walker Community Ventures, LLC, a consulting group established in 2020 that specializes in strategic planning, business development, capitalization and fundraising, and introduces market-driven strategies for community restoration. She has led and partnered in statewide, regional, and local efforts to revitalize communities and introduce transformative economic programs Read More

Pao Yang, Director

"I was a statistic on track to fail."

Pao Yang, Director

President/CEO, The Fresno Center

In 2017, Pao Yang became the Fresno Center’s third Executive Director and first President and CEO. In its 30 year history, The Fresno Center (TFC) has grown from three employees to over 130, serving diverse communities throughout more than twenty established local, state, and federal programs. These programs purposely encompass a wider scope and breadth in response to growing needs in all Read More

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