Highland Park Community Foundation Announces the Appointment of Dr. Thomas Koulentes and Deborah Bleich Cogan to the Board of Directors
Highland Park, IL - July 17, 2017: The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas Koulentes and Deborah Bleich Cogan to the Board of Directors.
"The Highland Park Community Foundation is honored to include these dedicated civic-minded professionals to the HPCF Board." said Peter W. Flanzer, Chairman of the Highland Park Community Foundation. "Tom and Deborah are results-driven professionals who bring an arsenal of significant talents to our organization including an impressive track record of community service, the ability to tackle large-scale community improvement projects and an unselfish dedication to the creation of a stronger, self-sufficient vibrant community that offers opportunities for all its members."
Dr. Thomas Koulentes brings his talents and commitment to the HPCF Board of Directors after serving for 3 years as Principal of Highland Park High School (HPHS) from 2014- 2017. During that time, he managed the impressive large-scale 3-year massive building renovation and redesign of the high school.
Known for his successful implementation of school-wide initiatives, Mr. Koulentes successfully rolled out the school's Chromebook program as well as development and curriculum implementations. Additionally, he led school improvement in areas of equity and achievement. During his tenure at HPHS he diligently worked with staff to expand the school's STEAM and Dual Language programs and created the Resilience Committee to increase student health and wellness, and built strong community partnerships to meet student and family needs. He served as Highland Park High School's Assistant Principal from 2005 -2015 and was responsible for daily operations of the high school and staff development. Mr. Koulentes will begin his tenure as Principal at Libertyville High School after a 22-year career at Highland Park High School.
Deborah Bleich Cogan brings years of experience to the Highland Park Community Foundation Board. Ms. Cogan served on the Glencoe Village Board where she chaired the Affordable Housing Legislative Committee, the Home Rule Task Force, and the Real Estate Committee. While at the Glencoe Park Board, Ms. Cogan held multiple leadership positions including President, Commissioner, and Real Estate Chair. During her tenure, she negotiated the acquisition of school property for development of the community center, renovated Glencoe Beach, and obtained referendum approval to renovate Watts Ice Center.
A powerhouse in the community, Ms. Cogan has accrued an impressive list of volunteer service credits with respected civic and cultural organizations throughout the years. Her service work includes The Volunteer Center, Winnetka, where she served as President from 2010 - 2013 and as a Board Member through 2016; Community Organizer for Highland Park from 2015 - 2016 where Cogan organized a campaign to protect local green space; with the Glencoe Human Relations Forum as Chair; and Board Member of the Writer's Theatre in Glencoe where she was instrumental in securing construction of the new theater.
"With the addition of Tom and Deborah, combined with the efforts of our stellar volunteer Board of Directors, HPCF is poised to continue our dedication to our community by working with Highland Park and Highwood's dynamic social services agencies who are supporting the community's residents with robust social, cultural and educational programs," said Mr. Flanzer.
For more information on the Highland Park Community Foundation please visit: www.hpcommunityfoundation.com.
About Highland Park Community Foundation: The Highland Park Community Foundation was established in 1992 at the request of the City of Highland Park to build and maintain a permanent endowment fund. The fund serves to support and expand the services of social service, cultural, and educational agencies in Highland Park and Highwood. It is also used to nurture the early stages of new and innovative programs. The Foundation's avowed purpose is to "meet the unmet needs" of the community - needs that are not met by governmental or other sources.