June 29, 2021
Triangle Business Leaders Join WakeEd Partnership Board of Directors; UNC REX Healthcare CFO Andy Zukowski Elected Board Chair
RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd), a business-backed nonprofit organization that supports public schools in Wake County, announced today that Andy Zukowski, Chief Financial Officer for UNC REX Healthcare, has been elected Chairman of its Board of Directors. Two other local business leaders will join WakeEd’s Board of Directors effective July 1. New Board members joining the Partnership include:
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- Rene Daughtry, Solution Validation Services Team Lead & Customer Project Manager Customer Delivery at Cisco
- Brad Geiger, Sr. Manager, Talent Development at Martin Marietta
“This community is fortunate to have so many business leaders who believe in public education and are willing to step up and take on leadership roles to advance educational opportunities for Wake County students”, said Keith Poston, President, WakeEd Partnership. “These leaders share WakeEd Partnership’s vision that every student should have access to the resources and guidance and ultimately the skills they need to fully take advantage of this dynamic economy and rapidly growing job opportunities right in their own backyard.”
As Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UNC REX Healthcare, a large community health system in a fast-growing market with more than 6,500 co-workers and revenue of almost $1.5 billion, Andy Zukowski is passionate about the strategic, financial, and business-related processes that enable UNC REX Healthcare’s mission of “inspiring hope, improving health and healing communities” and its vision of “leading the transformation of health care, one person at a time”.
Andy is a servant leader with a calm, forward thinking and analytic approach to achieving results. It is through his focus on relationships, development of others, and his engaging style of communication that he is able to seek input on key decisions and strategies that guide UNC REX Healthcare’s transition to value; navigate health care challenges facing our community; and achieve organizational success.
Over the last 25 years, Rene Daughtry has inspired many at Cisco with his innovative leadership on the Research Triangle Park campus and in communities across North Carolina. Throughout his career, Rene has identified innovative and creative ways to provide better service and support for Cisco’s customers. In his current role, he oversees advanced technology testing for Cisco‘s top 100 customer base, leading engineering teams in both the United States and India.
Rene’s contributions at Cisco, however, extend far beyond his work in technical support. Rene has inspired thousands of students across our state to pursue higher education and consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Music, and Math (STEAM) through outreach efforts to bring students from underserved areas to Cisco’s campus. Ten years ago, he started the organization Aisymmetry LLC, which conducts Lego robotics workshops and educational programs for youth-based nonprofits and churches.
Brad Geiger is the head of Talent Development for Martin Marietta, a leading producer of aggregates and other heavy building materials based in Raleigh, NC. In his current role, Brad is responsible for the design, development and execution of training and development programs aimed at helping Martin’s 9,000 employees reach their personal and professional goals.
Prior to joining Martin Marietta in 2013, Brad was the Senior Learning and Development Partner at Capital Associated Industries in Raleigh, NC. His professional experiences also include teaching business and management courses at Hofstra University and York College of PA. During his time at York College, he was the Director of the Management Program within the Business Department.
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.WakeEd.org.
