Sparta Education Foundation names three new trustees

SPARTA — The Sparta Education Foundation has welcomed three new members to its board. Ken Johnson, Dave Bridge, and Erik Hein have joined the group to share their expertise and contribute to the growing trend of community members giving back to the schools.. Ken Johnson graduated from Harvard University, and worked for American Petrochemical Corporation and GE. While at GE, he was with GE Trading, and was responsible for international trade, counter-trade, and barter negotiations involving the various GE businesses. His work took him to the Soviet Union, Turkey, Israel, China and SE Asia, while finding creative ways to finance sales of GE products. These were primarily aircraft engines, locomotives, power systems, and medical equipment. In 2001, his family moved to Sparta and since that time he has been writing, raising three boys, coaching Sparta Lacrosse and has organized the Sparta Robotics Club. As a long-time Sparta resident, Dave Bridge has strong ties to the community. He appreciates the value of a good education and has had two sons graduate from the school system. They have built on the sound educational base Sparta provided, going on to earn advanced degrees and develop successful careers. Bridge has an extensive finance background in the healthcare industry with Johnson & Johnson and C.R. Bard. His last position, prior to retirement, was Chief Financial Officer for a non-profit corporation. He has been married to Susanne for more than 40 years, has an MBA in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a Vietnam Veteran. Erik Hein is a former English teacher and now works in the publishing industry. As a published author, he has worked with many teachers across the country sharing his experiences about starting up relationships with community members to support school projects. His books involved forensic science and how it can be used as a theme in the classroom. After publishing several journal articles as well, he also worked with Fisher Science as a consultant. He was named Educator 500 two years in a row by West Chester University and received awards for his work. He resides in Sparta with his wife and two boys, where he also coaches football. Turkey Trot Don’t forget the upcoming fifth Annual Turkey Trot sponsored by Kroghs to be held Thanksgiving morning. For more information about sponsorship opportunities for these and other Foundation events, or to find out how to volunteer on a committee or make a donation, visit the Sparta Education Foundation’s website, www.spartaeducationfoundation.org or call the Foundation at 800-905-7331.