The height of midsummer marks a season of transition in the academic world, including for MEF, whose fiscal year concludes on June 30. As fundraising efforts wrap up for one year and preparations begin for the next, MEF also transitions leadership annually on July 1.
Like all nonprofit organizations, MEF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, each member holding the title of Director. This Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, which is then implemented by MEF’s Executive Director, supported by a small staff that varies based on organizational needs.
Since November 2017, Hilarie Robison has served as MEF’s Executive Director, currently working alongside two part-time contractors: Marketing & Event Coordinator Emily Odeh, and a Bookkeeper. In addition, a dedicated group of volunteers contribute time and effort in numerous ways, from serving on the Board and planning committees to supporting events and community outreach.
The following individuals are serving on the MEF Board of Directors for 2024-25 and/or 2025-26:
- Doug Griswold, 2024-25 Chair
- Catherine Fore, 2025-26 Chair
- Cara Hennings, Past Chair
- Sarah Provonsha, Outgoing Secretary
- Travis Hutchinson, Treasurer
- James Story, Development
- Pamela Rivers, Incoming Secretary
- Rob Bettis
- Amanda Bruce
- Brittany Fulmer Ennen
- Ashley Hurst
- Emily Lehman
- Rusty Posey
- Casey Robertson
- Hannah Silverman
- Gabe Whitmer
- Charlotte Witry
- Katherine Womack
- Tricia Henderson, Nolan PTA President
- Maggie Akridge, Thrasher Incoming PTA President
- Anna Branam, Thrasher Outgoing PTA President
- Amanda Mull, SMMHS Incoming PTSA President
- Erin Regrutto, SMMHS Outgoing PTSA President
Directors serve renewable three-year terms, with approximately one-third of the Board rotating off each year.
Notably, for the second year, PTA/PTSA presidents from all three Signal Mountain schools are serving on the MEF Board for the 2025-26 year. This development represents a significant step toward deeper collaboration between MEF and the parent-teacher organizations, ensuring that the perspectives of parent leaders with direct insight into school needs are part of the decision-making process. Incoming PTA/PTSA presidents also participate as Board observers during their terms, gaining familiarity before becoming voting members in their presidential year.
In addition to the governing Board of Directors, MEF also benefits from an Advisory Board that provides valuable input on school needs and opportunities. This group, facilitated by MEF, includes the three school principals, PTA/PTSA presidents, and other parent and community representatives. It functions as a think tank focused on maximizing the impact of MEF resources for students. Creative ideas such as shared MEF-funded staff, innovative funding strategies, and donor outreach initiatives have all emerged from these collaborative discussions.
Outgoing Board Chair Doug Griswold shared, “MEF is a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose. Our schools are stronger because of this ongoing partnership between families, educators, and supporters. I’ve been proud to help lead that effort and remain committed to ensuring MEF continues to drive meaningful impact for every student on Signal Mountain.”
The financial resources that Signal schools depend on are only possible through a combination of community investment and volunteer leadership. Even those without children in local public schools benefit from the impact strong schools have on the broader community. High-quality schools contribute to higher property values, lower crime rates, and a more vibrant local economy, which strengthens Signal Mountain for everyone.
MEF’s history dates back more than 30 years, when local parents first joined forces to bridge the gap left by public funding and ensure quality education for Signal Mountain children. In 2008, the opening of Signal Mountain Middle/High School (SMMHS) completed the K–12 pathway, and various school support organizations merged to form today’s Mountain Education Foundation.
MEF serves as the primary private fundraising arm for Signal schools, with a vision to become Tennessee’s premier education and youth development community. With a mission of elevating minds, empowering futures, and cultivating a thriving Signal Mountain community, MEF provides education and resources that inspire whole-life success.
Contributions to MEF funded twelve staff positions across Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary, and SMMHS in 2024-25, including reading and math interventionists, Spanish and STEM teachers, tutors, and technology instructors. MEF funding also supports ACT testing, college fairs, classroom technology, student enrichment, teacher appreciation, and other essential resources. In alignment with its expanding aim to support students beyond the classroom, MEF has also increasingly invested in the arts, athletics, and more over the past year.
Each year, school principals and PTA/PTSA leadership collaboratively determine how to allocate MEF funding, distributed on a per-student basis, to meet the specific needs of their schools. These vital resources exist solely because of community support. Thanks to that support, MEF enables Signal Mountain schools to extend learning opportunities well beyond what public funding can provide, opening doors, broadening horizons, and building a stronger future for every student.
