RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd), a business-backed nonprofit organization committed to improving public education in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), has introduced two new members to its board of directors. The business leaders, who were recently approved during WakeEd’s annual board meeting, include:

• Michelle Rich Goode, president of Rich Commercial Realty

• Jeffry Trad, regional manager of Wells Fargo

Goode and Trad will contribute their knowledge and skills to the board’s efforts of making Wake County public schools places where students are prepared to succeed in the changing world. They will be joining five current board members, each of whom has been approved to serve new, three-year terms: Robert Buhler, Cara Greening, Scot McAlexander, Jennifer Pittman and Doug Sprecher.

Goode received a bachelor’s degree from Meredith College and a Master of Library Science from East Carolina University. She served the Sampson County and Wake County Public School Systems for years as an educator, librarian and media specialist. In 1989, Goode established Rich Commercial Realty, one of the Triangle’s first tenant representative firms. As president of the commercial real estate company, she has cultivated prestigious list of clients throughout her 30 years of experience. In addition to her business skills, Goode has held leadership roles at a number of other nonprofit organizations.

Trad received a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, as well as an MBA with an emphasis on finance from North Central College. He has worked in the financial industry for more than 25 years and has written a number of publications. Trad currently serves as senior vice president of the private bank segment of Wells Fargo.

“We are excited to welcome our new members to the WakeEd Partnership board of directors,” says Steve Parrott, president of WakeEd. “Michelle and Jeffry both bring a wealth of knowledge, and we are confident they will make significant contributions to our board.”

About WakeEd Partnership

WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization comprised 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.

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