Founding/Governing Board
Responsibility for the overall well-being of the Tybee Island Maritime Academy and attainment of the goals outlined in our Charter resides with the Governing Board of Directors. Our non-profit Governing Board comprises of volunteer community members and parents of TIMA students.
These responsibilities include: ensuring that our focus remains on the children, that our educational goals are clear, and that there are appropriate means for measuring our progress; ensuring the financial stability of the school and its adherence to legal mandates; and ensuring the safety and appropriateness of our learning facility.
The Board will meet at least once per quarter. Dates and times of Board meetings will be posted on the school's website. All Board meetings are open to the public for observation, and comply with the Georgia state statutes on open and public meetings.
Governing Board
Jason Buelterman
Educator and coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Program at Johnson High School in Savannah, Georgia (1999-present); Congressional Aide to Congressman Rob Portman (OH) (1997-1998); Mayor of Tybee Island, 2006-present; President, District 12, Georgia Municipal Association(2007-present); Tybee City Council (2002-2005).
Carolyn Jurick
Retired educator; elementary principal (1980-2004); principal of Addison Elementary School, the first charter school in Georgia, (1988-2004). Since her retirement: interim principal; Cobb County Leadership Academy(2004-2009); consultant in the research department at the University of Georgia(2004-2009); new principal mentor(2006-2009).
Cindy Cupp, Ed.D.
Worked for 42 years in Georgia schools with a mission of teaching all children to read; President of Cupp Publishers; teaches graduate courses for Armstrong Atlantic University; retired as the Curriculum and Reading Director for the Georgia Department of Education; wrote Georgia's Reading First Project in 1996 (Many of the components of Georgia's Reading First were used as the foundation for President Bush's national Reading First); awarded the National Teacher of the Year by the National Right to Read Foundation (1996).
Christen Clougherty, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Nobis Project, Inc., a non-profit educational organization; PhD research in experiential education, service-learning, and global citizenship through the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland with a major in non-profit business management; founder of Thundersmith Industries, Inc., a non-profit performances art company; Friends of Oatland (FOO) of the Oatland Island Wildlife Center board member.
Brenda Marion
While landlocked in Kansas City, MO, Brenda and Tyler Marion were married on Tybee Island in May of 2003. The Marions moved to Tybee permanently in 2007 and planned to send their son Jack to school at St. Michael's when he turned 5. When St. Michael's closed and interest in starting a charter school arose, Brenda was quick to volunteer her time and energy. Brenda is a freelance writer, editor, and blogger.
William Robinson
New Jersey National Guard(1965-1968); Hornblower Weeks, Hemphyll Noyes, NY, Stock and bond trader(1965 -1993); Beach Data Inc., St Petersburg, FL, Owner (1993 –2007); served on PAC (Parental Advisory Committee) of Blessed Sacrament School, Seminole, FL (1997-2000). The role of the PAC was to serve as a BOD that reported to the Parish Father regarding budget, curriculum, safety and physical property issues.
Kay K. Fortner
Savannah Native; senior executive at H&R Block; worked with IRS and congress to develop electronic filing; consultant to Jackson Hewitt tax services; co-owner Jackson Hewitt Tax Services Franchise operating 58 offices with 400 seasonal employees and 20 year around employees; retired 8/24/2009.
Dick Smith
Originally from Alabama, Dick has lived in Georgia since 1969 and on Tybee since 1989. He has worked in sales his entire working life, the last twenty-seven years as President of Commercial Real Estate Properties, Inc.
Summer Roberson
Annual Giving Specialist for Hospice Savannah and eight years' experience of maintaining professional relationships in the not-for-profit sector within the Low County and Coastal Empire. Enjoys supporting grassroot community efforts for the common good of all.
Wanda Doyle A retired middle school teacher. She serves on the City Council of Tybee Island and is currently Mayor Pro-Tem. Her public service includes: Infrastructure Committee 2006-2007; YMCA City Liasion since 2006; Tybee Tourism Council; City of Tybee Island Economic Development Committee 2006-2007; Chairperson for "Lights on for Tybee" and Christmas Parade 2006-2008; Tybee Island Historical Society; Tybee Island Garden Club; Irish Heritage Celebration Parade Committee 2003 to the present; St. Michael's Council of Catholic Women; Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post 154.
Perb Fortner, CFO
Held several leadership and executive positions with H&R Block including responsibility for international franchise program, retired after 32 years (1969-2000). Executive Vice President Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (2000-2005). Retired in 2005. Business consultant 2006 -2010. Chairman of Leadership Tybee 2010-2013.
