Sanger Education Foundation Board of Directors
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Gary Bilyeu
Board President – KFA Financial
Service has always been and continues to be an integral part of Gary’s life. Gary has been a Marine for more than 23 years and continue to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves, earning multiple distinctions, which include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal as well as Series Honor Man. Gary serves his community, as a City Councilman (4th term) and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Sanger, Texas; and as a Charter Member of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1300. He has a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of North Texas and am a Distinguished Graduate of the USMC Command and Staff College. His strong belief in that his work within and for the community allows him to see the world through others’ eyes, which in turn helps him assist people to create financial plans that suit their individual lives. He enjoys the fact that no two plans are ever the same. Whether it is young people making their very first investment or people at the end of their working career, He finds true satisfaction in helping others achieve their goals and dreams. Gary joined the Administration Committee in 2018, becoming a Board of Director in 2019.
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Don Long
VP Investment & Treasurer - Sanger Bank
Don Long is a graduate of Sanger High School and attended college at North Texas State University before joining the Navy in 1987. Don served honorably for 8 years as a Hospital Corpsman (combat medic) and was deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991. While in the Military, Don graduated from the Naval College of Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD with a degree in Medical Technology. Don worked for Siemens Healthcare in the Laboratory Diagnostics division for 21 years. His last position was Senior Manager for the Regional Support Center Americas. He had responsibility for the second level support team that covered the entire western hemisphere. Don returned to Texas in 2013 and has been a member of the Sanger Bank Board of Directors since 2015. In 2019, Don left the medical field and joined the bank full time as Executive Vice President. He is currently attending the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at SMU in Dallas.
“It is such an honor to have the opportunity to give back to the community and school system that helped shape my life.”
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John Reed, DDS
Board Secretary Sanger Family Dentistry
John H Reed Jr DDS email largeDr. Reed grew up in Sanger and graduated from Sanger High School in 2002. He attended Texas A&M University in College Station where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Science. Dr. Reed graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry, a component of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, in Dallas. Dr. Reed joined the Investment Committee in 2013 and has served consistently on the Investment Committee and has served as Committee Chair in both the Programs Committee and Development Event Committee. He joined the Board of Directors in 2014, serving two terms before stepping down in August 2019. He rejoined the Board of Directors in September 2020, and is currently serving as Board Secretary and an Investment Committee member.
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Carol Danner
VP Programs
Carol Danner holds a master’s degree from the University of North Texas and in 2019 retired from Sanger ISD after teaching math at Sanger High School for 40 years. Carol and her husband Mike have been married 43 years and have 2 exceptional daughters, 2 incredible sons-in-law, and 2 outstanding grandsons. carol loves her Sanger school family, and when asked will tell your she is greatly pleased to be able to give back to the community and teaching staff of Sanger ISD through her involvement in the Sanger Education Foundation.
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Jodie Miller
VP Event Development – Sanger Insurance
Jodie Miller started her insurance career in 2000 and has been with Sanger Insurance since 2009 where she is currently the Agency Manager and Commercial Lines Agent. In the past she has served on the Board of Directors for the Sanger Chamber of Commerce and was a committee member & chair of donations for the Event Development Committee for the Sanger Education Foundation in 2019. She has now transitioned to a Board of Directors position in 2020. Jodie loves giving back and volunteering in her community, both personally and professionally. She is excited to join the Education Foundation’s Board of Directors.
For more information about Sanger Insurance visit: Sangerinsurance.com -
Brad Isbell
At Large – Eikon Consulting Group, Inc.
Brad Isbell was born in Valley View, Texas and received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering from Texas A&M University. Upon graduation Brad Isbell joined his family’s Sanger based business in 2001. Currently he serves as president of EIKON Consulting Group, an Architecture and Engineering firm providing services in the North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. He has been President-in-Charge for large, multi discipline projects involving the coordination of sub-consultant teams with diverse stakeholder participation. His expertise is in structural engineering with project experience including structural modeling, building assessment, construction administration, site observation, and complete project management. Project experiences include the fields of education, sports, governmental, commercial, and healthcare. Brad joined the Administration Committee in 2014 and joined the Board of Directors in 2014. To learn more about EIKON Consulting Group visit: EIKONCG.COM
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Dennis Dillon
Treasurer & VP Investment
Dennis grew up in Northeast Arkansas graduating from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in accounting in 1970. He retired in 1995 from Moore Business Forms and began a small business accounting and bookkeeping service. Dennis has lived in Sanger since 2005 with his wife Linda since 2005. He is an active member of he Sanger Community, serving in capacities at his church, Sanger Planning & Zoning Commission and the Sanger Lions Club. He joined the Sanger Education Foundation in 2014 as a member of the Investment Committee, joining the Board of Directors in 2015 as VP Investment and Treasurer. Dennis will tell you that living in a small community such as Sanger, it has been easy to see the difference the foundation makes for the children of Sanger ISD.
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Donna Green
VP Marketing
Donna Green is an accomplished marketing leader with over 25 years of experience in crafting impactful marketing strategies, executing high-performance campaigns, and driving client engagement. As the Director of Marketing & Civic Engagement for the City of Sanger, Donna brings an extensive background in both the public and private sectors, helping to elevate community outreach and civic involvement within the city. Donna holds multiple credentials that highlight her expertise, including certifications as a Digital Marketing Expert, Marketing Strategist, Salesforce Administrator, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Meeting Planner (CMP). Her dedication to excellence has earned her three prestigious national marketing awards: a Bronze Stevie, a Silver Effie, and a Gold Stevie, recognizing her innovation and effectiveness in marketing. Prior to joining the City of Sanger, Donna held key roles in prominent organizations, including the City of Celina and Becton Dickinson, where she helped establish and grow the Employment Marketing Division for a global medical device manufacturer. Her career also includes significant tenures with industry leaders like Procter & Gamble and General Electric, as well as a variety of marketing management roles in financial services, retail, legal, and nonprofit sectors. Donna is well-versed in contract negotiation, project management, event planning, and building high-performing teams and cross-functional relationships. Donna is a proud graduate of Marshall University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. Her combination of strategic vision, industry expertise, and a strong commitment to community service makes her a valued leader in the City of Sanger’s mission to foster growth and engagement
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Shane Howland
VP Administration
Shane Howland graduated from Lake Dallas High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Tarleton State University. He is an insurance and financial strategist at Howland insurance & Financial as well as Heritage Insurance Group of Texas. Assisting clients through all four stages of life protection, accumulation, distribution, and legacy. Shane’s wife Amanda is the principal at Chisolm Trail Elementary and their triplets Hayla, Clayton, and Dylan attend Sanger high school. You will see the whole family serving throughout the Denton County area through school, business, church, and student organizations. With a strong desire to love on people and give back to the community the Sanger education foundation provides a great platform for the Howland’s to do that.
The Board of Directors meet the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at 400 Bolivar Street, Suite 102, Sanger, Texas. For additional information please contact the foundation off at 940-600-8890.
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Valerie Foster
CEFL, Foundation Executive Director
Valerie was one of three who envisioned the formation of the foundation and was instrumental in the organization and development of the Sanger Education Foundation and brings over 25 years of experience in non-profit fundraising. In 1999 Mrs. Foster was chosen as recipient of Heroes for Children for contributions and dedication to public education by The State Board of Education. She was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Sanger Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005 and again in 2013. She is an honorary Member of both the Rotary Club of Sanger and Lion’s Club. Most recently Valerie was awarded the 2014 Spirit Award as a Heart and Hero’s Recipient for her non-profit work in Denton County from Health Services of North Texas. Mrs. Foster earned her CEFL in 2016 from NSFA and the Sanford Educational Center at National University. Since 2012 Valerie serves on the Texas Education Foundation Network Conference Committee and holds memberships with TSPRA and NSFA.