St. Louis native Judy Taylor has been the Executive Director for the Decatur Public Schools Foundation since February 2004. Prior to that, her work history included stints as the Corporate Events Director for the American Heart Association; Director of Membership Services for the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce; Administrative Assistant for the Community Investment Corporation of Decatur; Executive Director for the Decatur Senior Center; and the Volunteer Coordinator for Dove, Inc.

Judy and her husband, Randall, have two sons: Casey, a law student at the University of Missouri, and Eric, who finished his freshman year at Eastern Illinois University.

Judy is quick to point out that she dropped out of high school, eventually earning her GED at the age of 16. She eventually earned a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Millikin University.

QUESTIONS:

1. Describe a typical day.

As the executive director and only full-time employee of the Decatur Public Schools Foundation, my day is never typical. I may meet with prospective donors, visit Decatur Public Schools Foundation-funded projects in the schools, take pictures, work on the Decatur Public Schools Foundation newsletter, participate in Webinars with other education foundations, write grants, oversee the Decatur Public Schools Foundation grant committee, spend time on-campus at Millikin overseeing Decatur Science Investigations (a partnership between Millikin University and the Decatur Public Schools Foundation to stimulate interest in science among the students of District 61), communicate with the media, or work on the upcoming Celebrate!: The Legacy of Learning event. Most days are filled with some combination of these activities along with many others that move the mission of the Decatur Public Schools Foundation forward.

2. Who was your inspiration in life?

My mother instilled me at a very young age with the belief that I could accomplish anything in life I set out to do. She still believes it!

3. What drives you?

The knowledge that the projects funded through the Decatur Public Schools Foundation offer learning opportunities to the children in Decatur that would not be available otherwise. These opportunities are vitally important in a community that values education and works together to ensure the success of our children. A few examples include: bringing the technology students will be using in college and at work to classrooms, providing our advanced placement classes with state-of-the-art equipment, providing instruments for children to participate in band/orchestra, supporting Pre-K programs that are preparing our children for success, supporting the passion for excellence among teachers by funding their innovative ideas. On the personal side, my own children received an outstanding education in District 61 that prepared them extremely well for college and I am driven by the conviction that every child in District 61 can succeed with the support of the community.

4. What qualities make Decatur a great place to live?

Decatur is a great place to live for people who value balance in their lives. Along with excellent public schools, Decatur offers easy access to parks and recreational activities, good local restaurants, low housing prices, and a community college and private university. Though I moved here from St. Louis 30 years ago, I never stop appreciating the convenience of driving only 10 minutes to get across town!

5. What activities are you involved with in the community?

I am an active participant in the Education Coalition.

6. After a long day at work, what do you do to relax?

My husband and I play some tennis after work, usually at the Lincoln Park courts. I am an avid reader, and thoroughly enjoy the times I spend cooking with my family.

7. What is one thing that readers DON'T know about you?

I have a degree in electronics from RCC!