Dr. Joseph Robertson retires from Board service after 12 years and Dr. Gustavo Balderas joins
ROSEBURG, Ore. — Dr. Joseph Robertson, president emeritus of Oregon Health & Science University and member of The Ford Family Foundation Board of Directors for 12 years, has retired from service at the end of 2024. Assuming his seat on the Board is Dr. Gustavo Balderas, superintendent of Beaverton School District.
“Being a member of the Board has truly been one of the highlights of my life,” shared Joe Robertson. “I always felt that I wanted to do more — and I always believed I was learning more than I was contributing.”
Robertson served The Ford Family Foundation under all three of its presidents to date and provided strategic leadership as the organization evolved. He defined health broadly and served as a key advisor on all health-related issues, helping launch new work that brought issues of child behavioral health front and center. Robertson always provided an expansive perspective on rural inequities, especially as they related to health and outcomes for children — from statewide issues to ensuring rural kids in Mapleton could play basketball at night under the lights.
“Joe’s status as wise elder statesman is irrefutable,” said Board Chair Toby Luther. “When he speaks, he speaks with great authority because of his deep experience and extraordinary wisdom. He has earned the respect of all Board members and staff.”
The Foundation Board of Directors now welcomes Dr. Gustavo Balderas as its newest member. Balderas began his life as the child of migrant farm workers in the rural eastern Oregon town of Nyssa and developed his love of learning and passion for education in Oregon’s public schools, from kindergarten through his doctoral degree in educational leadership at the University of Oregon.
“I tell everyone that education is a dream maker,” says Balderas. “And it’s a dream for me to shape the work of The Ford Family Foundation, a place that holds rural schools and students at the center of its mission.”
Balderas has been an educator for 34 years. He started his career in education as a high school teacher and counselor in Oregon. He has served as superintendent in California, Washington and Oregon. Currently Balderas is the superintendent of Beaverton School District. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for closing both achievement and opportunity gaps for all students and has worked diligently to diversify the education workforce to reflect the student population. Balderas received the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year Award from the American School Superintendents Association and currently serves as the organization’s president.
“We are thrilled to have the time, talent and deep experience that Gus will bring,” said Luther. “He grew up rural and will be a relentless advocate for the educational systems and supports kids need. As so many will attest, Gus is a champion for children.”
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About The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life. www.tfff.org
General media inquiries
Sarah Pytalski, Learning Officer – Policy and Communications
(541) 492-2396, spytalski@tfff.org
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