BERRYVILLE, VA — The Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF) is pleased to announce its 2026 to 2027 Board leadership, with Turner Kobayashi serving as President, and to welcome Tamara Myer as the newest member of the CCEF Board of Directors.
The leadership announcement comes during an exciting year for the Foundation as CCEF celebrates its 35th anniversary and looks toward the next chapter of its work supporting students, educators and innovative educational opportunities throughout Clarke County Public Schools.
Turner Kobayashi Named CCEF President
A Clarke County resident since 1998, Kobayashi brings decades of business leadership and community involvement to the role. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from the College of William & Mary before spending 33 years in the information technology industry with Texas Instruments and Telos Corporation. During his 25-year career with Telos, he served as Vice President of Cybersecurity, Enterprise Solutions and worked extensively with the U.S. Intelligence Community.
In 2015, Kobayashi transitioned to Audley Farm and Profundus Holdings, Inc. He currently serves as General Manager of historic Audley Farm and President of Profundus Holdings, overseeing agricultural, timber and renewable energy interests in North America.
His involvement throughout Clarke County and Virginia extends well beyond his professional roles. Kobayashi serves as President of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association and the Clarke County Farmers Market. He is also a board member of the Clarke County Conservation Fund, a trustee of the Clermont Foundation Board, a Steering Committee member for the Smithsonian Institution’s Virginia Working Landscapes and a board member of the Virginia Equine Alliance. “It is truly an honor to be named President of the Clarke County Education Foundation,” Kobayashi said. “I believe in public education and the future it can provide for our children.”
Kobayashi said he looks forward to building upon CCEF’s more than $4 million investment in scholarships, grants and support for Clarke County students, teachers, schools and programs.
“We look forward to taking our efforts to the next level to support unique learning experiences for our students, teachers and families,” Kobayashi said. “We strive to provide resources in STEM and Career and Technical Education to help prepare our students for their future in this ever changing world. Together, we will make a difference.”
CCEF also extends its sincere gratitude to outgoing Board President Jon Erickson, who has provided seven years of dedicated leadership to the Foundation. During his tenure, CCEF experienced significant growth in its programs, partnerships, and support for Clarke County students and educators. Erickson’s steady leadership helped position the Foundation for continued growth while strengthening its role as a partner to Clarke County Public Schools and the broader community. Although stepping down as president, Erickson will remain an active member of the CCEF Board of Directors, continuing to lend his experience, perspective, and commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
CCEF Welcomes Tamara Myer
Joining Kobayashi and the returning members of the Board for the 2026 to 2027 year is Tamara Myer, a Clarke County resident, educator and longtime community volunteer.
Myer has lived in Clarke County since 2003 and brings extensive experience in education, community service and local leadership to the Foundation.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wyoming, where she was also a Division I varsity soccer player. Myer began her career teaching in a Title I elementary school in Casper, Wyoming, before moving to Virginia. She later taught third grade at John Wayland Elementary School in Bridgewater and first grade at Powhatan School in Clarke County. She continues to remain involved in education through substitute teaching and volunteering.
Myer’s connection to CCEF’s mission is also personal. As a high school student, she received a four year academic scholarship through her own community’s education foundation, an opportunity that helped shape her appreciation for organizations that invest directly in students and educators.
“I am drawn to the Foundation’s work because it aligns with my aspirations to contribute to a greater network of connection and education,” Myer said. “I am passionate about literacy and all aspects of reading and writing, and I appreciate the dedication CCEF offers through its support of classrooms, students, teachers, scholarships and the private support needed to enhance public education.”
Myer also has a long history of service in Clarke County. She served the Town of Boyce in several capacities, including as Town Recorder, Town Manager and a member of the Planning Commission. She has also served as Clarke County’s representative on the Handley Regional Library Board and currently serves as President of the Clarke County Greenway Garden Club.
Myer and her family have deep ties to Clarke County Public Schools. Three of her four children currently attend or have graduated from Clarke County High School, with her youngest expected to attend in the coming years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tamara to the CCEF Board,” said Beth Williams, Executive Director of the Clarke County Education Foundation. “Her background as an educator, her years of service to our community and her personal understanding of the difference an education foundation can make in a student’s life give her a unique perspective. Most importantly, she genuinely cares about our students, our teachers and the future of public education in Clarke County. She will be a wonderful addition to our Board.”
2026 to 2027 CCEF Board of Directors
CCEF’s officers for the 2026 to 2027 year are:
President: Turner Kobayashi
Vice President: Jon Erickson
Secretaries: Kathy Hudson and Josh Dulaney
Treasurer: Ian Lobo
The CCEF Board of Directors also includes Wes Schoeb, Stacey Ellis, Cathy Ruszczyk, Kari Reed, Ryan Gilpin, Christopher Liggett, Stephanie Liggett and Dr. Amy Larrick, along with new member Tamara Myer.
“Our Board represents an incredible group of community members who are willing to give their time, talents and connections to support public education in Clarke County,” Williams said. “As we celebrate CCEF’s 35th anniversary, we have an opportunity to honor everything this organization has accomplished while also thinking boldly about what comes next. I am incredibly grateful to have Turner’s leadership and this entire Board helping guide that work.”
About the Clarke County Education Foundation
Founded in 1991, CCEF has invested more than $4 million in Clarke County education through student and educator scholarships, Classroom Impact Grants, STEM and Career and Technical Education initiatives, arts and enrichment opportunities and direct support for Clarke County Public Schools.
As the Foundation celebrates its 35th anniversary, CCEF is focused on strengthening existing programs, building community partnerships and creating new opportunities to meet the evolving needs of Clarke County students and educators.