For the first time in its history, the Oak Harbor Educational Foundation (OHEF) has an Executive Director.  After a thorough interview, the OHEF Board selected Mark Moder to lead the non-profit organization that works closely with Oak Harbor Public Schools.

“I am thrilled to help continue the great work of the Oak Harbor Educational Foundation, supporting the Oak Harbor School District, its students, and its teachers,” Moder said. “OHEF has done so much amazing work since its inception in 1992, but I believe its best years are still ahead, and I am honored to be part of this next chapter.”

Moder comes to Oak Harbor with extensive experience working in non-profits after serving for three different organizations. He is currently the Executive Director at Wild Bird Charity. Through these experiences, he has gained first-hand knowledge in fundraising and grant writing, along with creating strong partnerships with several organizations and community groups. 

A strong fiscal manager, Moder’s 30 years of work experience made him one of the most viable candidates for the position. Moder is responsible for directly securing revenue that benefits Oak Harbor Public Schools students. This is achieved through college scholarships or classroom grants issued to classroom teachers.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Moder to the Oak Harbor family,” Superintendent Karst Brandsma said. “He is a proven leader within the non-profit community, and we are thrilled with his vision for the foundation's future.”

In addition to the hiring of Moder, the district honored Representative Dave Paul as the WASA (Washington Superintendent Association) 2022 Community Award recipient. Paul has served on the OHEF’s Board of Directors for 13 years and is the Past-President. Paul was recently recognized by the Oak Harbor Public Schools Board of Directors during its June 13 meeting. 

“Representative Paul has been a tremendous asset to Oak Harbor Public Schools,” Brandsma said. “There is not a single person who is more deserving than Paul for this award.” 

Pictured from left to right: Representative Dave Paul, Superintendent
Karst Brandsma, OHEF Executive Director, Mark Moder

Caring citizens formed the Oak Harbor Educational Foundation in 1992. The Foundation provides a conduit for donations, manages contributed assets, and raises funds to benefit education in Oak Harbor Schools. OHEF is a private non-profit corporation, and all contributions are tax-deductible. The citizen board of directors oversees the use of funds to ensure they further the mission of the Foundation. OHEF awards tens of thousands of dollars in college scholarships and up to 15 grants for schools annually. OHEF depends on funds raised through annual events like the Bud Skinner Applied Learning Breakfast and the Doc Ellis Mayor’s Dinner on one-time donations, annual donors, and endowments invested in supporting ongoing scholarships and programs.  They currently have a growing Endowment Fund of approximately 1.5 million dollars. The citizen board of directors oversees the use of funds to ensure they further the mission of the Foundation.