RLC Foundation elects Mathew, Wood as new board directors

INA, Ill. (Aug. 27, 2013) - The Rend Lake College Foundation is two directors stronger after the addition of Finny Mathew, CEO of Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon, and Nelson Wood, President of Wood Energy Inc. in Mt. Vernon, to the board.

RLCF CEO Shawna Manion said the board voted unanimously to approve the two directors to help represent the Foundation in the district.

“We are extremely excited to be seating such highly respected individuals to our board,” said Manion. “These two people are leaders in their industries and are both already engaged in their duties as directors. Their knowledge and experience will benefit the college and help us continue to strengthen RLC through our commitment to scholarships, curriculum and programs. The students are at the center of our mission, and RLCF Board supports the scholarships, capital campaigns and projects that continually make RLC a better place for our students.”

Mathew was recommended to the board to fill the position of outgoing Chairman Ed Cunningham, the former CEO of Crossroads Community Hospital, who took a position in Granite City.

“Finny has already continued Crossroads Community Hospital’s great partnership with RLC through scholarships, sponsorships and as a strong liaison to the healthcare industry,” said Manion.

Finny Mathew, CEO of Crossroads Community Hospital

Mathew said he plans to continue with the partnership during his time as a director, and he also hopes to be able to help students in need through scholarships.

“Part of my reasoning in joining the board is that Crossroads has had a great, long-standing relationship with Rend Lake College, and I want to continue that partnership,” said Mathew. “Second, on a personal level, I feel that education is really important. It was a big deal to my grandpa as my parents were first-generation students. I want to be able to further help those students like my parents who may not be able to afford college without a scholarship from the Foundation.”

Right now, Mathew said he is focusing on getting to know the RLC Foundation and the inner-workings of RLC before lining out his goals as director.

“It’s too early for me to say,” said Mathew. “I need to understand more of the board and I will develop a goal after that. Now I’m focusing on being supportive of ongoing initiatives and getting to know Rend Lake College.”

Wood was also recommended to a director’s seat, based on his background in the energy industry and community involvement.

“We approached Nelson to become a director after he was continually recommended by members of our board and community leaders,” said Manion. “His knowledge in the oil industry will be very valuable as Rend Lake College continues to develop the program.”

Nelson Wood, President of Wood Energy Inc.

Wood said he hopes to bring something to the board from his work in the energy industry.

“I want to thank everyone. I’m very glad to be here, and I believe I can bring something to the table in the energy sector,” said Wood. “My expertise is in the areas that Rend Lake College is currently developing, in curriculum development, establishing industry partnerships, and determining needs of the sector. I believe I can help with that process. The main reason that I’m joining the board is because of the young folks. We need trained individuals in our profession and in our industry, and I think Rend Lake College is the perfect vehicle. I appreciate what the college is doing for the industry. I’m really looking forward to serving on this board.”

Together, the RLCF Directors act as ambassadors of the college to the communities within the district, being both the eyes and ears between industry, residents and the college. RLC President Terry Wilkerson added that the college is fortunate to have such high-caliber individuals serving the students.

“Each of the directors on the Foundation Board are leaders in their communities, their industries, and in the respects of their peers,” said Wilkerson. “We know they are all extremely busy people, and we value the work that they do for our students tremendously. On behalf of the College, we welcome Finny and Nelson to the team.”