GIFFORD, Fla. – Wednesday, April 5, 2023 – The Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) is delighted to announce that Ken Mindt and Terri A. Graham, Ed.D. have joined GYAC’s board of directors.
As campus president for Indian River State College’s Mueller Campus in Vero Beach, Dr. Graham takes a leadership role in initiating and coordinating opportunities for the College to engage in and support the economic development of the region. In addition, Dr. Graham also leads and coordinates Mueller Campus staff, programs, curriculum, activities and resources to achieve the College’s goals.
By joining GYAC’s board, Dr. Graham is fulfilling two of her primary commitments to the college by becoming involved with community organizations and developing a prominent and visible presence in the community.
Dr. Graham brings to GYAC 28 years of administrative and teaching service in higher and public education. Prior to joining IRSC as Mueller campus president, Dr. Graham was the interim campus president at Valencia college where she began working in 2016 as executive dean and an associate faculty member.
Dr. Graham earned her Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida, a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College, a Master of Education in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Graham, who was recently named one of Onyx Magazine’s 2023 Women on the Move, to GYAC’s board of directors. Through Dr. Graham’s education and professional experience, her insight into the educational and workforce needs of the community will play a vital role in GYAC’s strategic planning and future development of the Center’s Youth Employability Program,” said Angelia Perry, GYAC’s Executive Director.
Ken Mindt brings to GYAC nearly 40 years of experience in accounting and finance. Through his involvement with GYAC, Mindt wishes to utilize his previous experiences, business acumen, accounting knowledge, and leadership skills to help a mission-focused entity grow and thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
Mindt’s career began at Georgia Pacific, where he spent 30 years perfecting his accounting skills. He joined the Atlanta-based company as an accountant and worked his way up serving as internal audit manager, senior business analyst, controller for multiple divisions, and finally vice president. Mindt’s final role with the company was vice president and segment controller of North America consumer products. Mindt’s George Pacific Career took him to North Carolina, Oregon and even Belgium.
Mindt made a shift in 2008 when he moved to Kansas to become the global controller for INVISTA where he was responsible for global accounting activities including internal and external financial reporting, system of internal controls, manufacturing operations support, and financial systems. Most recently, Mindt was the Chief Accounting Officer for Teays River Investments in Indiana, a role he held since 2018.
“We are blessed to welcome Ken to both the operating board and the board of trustees. With his vast experience in accounting and business, Mindt is well-suited to take on his newly appointed role as treasurer for the Foundation Board of Trustees,” remarked Angelia Perry.
GYAC’s board of directors is comprised of a diverse group of individuals who volunteer their time to shape the future of the organization through strategic planning, advocacy and leadership. Pulling from their unique skills, experiences and interests, the board works alongside Executive Director Angelia Perry to advance the mission of the Center in a way that best serves GYAC students and families.
To learn more about GYAC, visit www.mygyac.org.
About GYAC
Gifford Youth Achievement Center, a 501(c)(3), opened its doors in 1998 on a mission to enhance the academic experience of underserved youth in Indian River County. Twenty-five years later, GYAC continues to offer year-round educational programs for students in grades K – 12. In addition, GYAC provides activities for adults and seniors. The Center also hosts job fairs, health clinics, community gatherings and serves as an information hub for those in need of services.