The Flagler County Education Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce Teresa Rizzo as the new Executive Director. The Flagler County Education Foundation is a Direct-Support Organization for Flagler County Schools dedicated to generating financial support and enhancing programs that benefit students, families, and teachers.
Teresa succeeds her late husband, Joseph Rizzo who had been the executive director since February 2017. Teresa will be the fourth Executive Director in the Foundation’s history.
The search committee, which included Dr. Jennifer Thornton, the current Board President, Ann Marie Zweifel, Victoria Tiehen, Maria Lavin-Sanhudo, Jennifer Ames, and Ronald Tortelli are pleased to make the announcement. “We are honored to have a lifelong educator leading this organization into the future. Teresa’s passion for the children of Flagler County is apparent and will serve the Flagler County Education Foundation well.”
Teresa comes to the Education Foundation after becoming a State Regional Literacy Director for the Florida Department of Education in 2021. She was a teacher in Flagler Schools for 14 years before discovering her passion for instructional coaching and educational leadership. In 2019, Teresa accepted a position as a literacy instructional coach at Wadsworth Elementary with the aspiration of one day joining the Florida Department of Education working with struggling schools across the state to close the achievement gap.
Teresa has been a business owner and displays exemplary leadership attributes. She will serve as both visionary and liaison with deep-rooted connections to our Flagler County School District, leaders, families, and businesses.
Teresa says, “I am honored to be chosen to continue and elevate the remarkable legacy of the Flagler County Education Foundation that flourished under the adored Joe Rizzo. The kids of Flagler County are our future. The foundation’s mission will continue to expand and provide opportunities kids might not have been afforded without the support of the foundation.”
Teresa earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Medicine. Upon graduating, she pursued her senior internship at Flagler Palm Coast High School, where she discovered her love of education and the wonderful county of Flagler. With a passion for continued education, Teresa became a graduate student in the Educational Leadership program at Stetson University in 2019. During her time at Stetson, she was nominated by her professors for the Stetson Vibrant Leadership Award and to deliver the commencement address at her graduation.
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, then, you are an excellent leader.” Dolly Parton
The Flagler County Education Foundation Board of Directors would like to invite the community to an informal Meet & Greet on May 24, 2022, at the Government Services Building to welcome Teresa.
If you would like to learn more about the Flagler County Education Foundation’s initiative, please visit our website, FlaglerEdFoundation.org, or contact Teresa Rizzo directly at rizzot@flaglerschools.com.
Media Release: Flagler County Education Foundation, Shelley Wheeler
