Faculty Award
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JIU 2009 Alumni Speakers - Timothy Green and Penny Smith

Timothy Green

Timothy Green grew up in Central Florida. After graduating from Freedom University with a bachelor's degree in education, he became a high school teacher. Tim taught English at the high school level for nine years and as a high school principal for three years. After a short time working in the corporate arena, he went back to his roots in education and founded a private academy. During the past eighteen years the academy has over 300 students from K-12.

The academy was initially started because he had decided to home school his four children and parents began asking him to educate their children as well. From this interest, the academy was born. Tim directed and taught at the academy for six years. As the academy grew, so did Tim's role in every aspect of the school. He now serves as the academy's Chancellor.

In 1999, Tim started the Clyde F. Green foundation, in honor of his late father. The primary goal of the foundation is to help disadvantaged children. The mission is to help and care for those children whose parents are not able to provide quality care because of difficult conditions both home and abroad. Since its beginnings, the foundation has helped disadvantaged children in Florida, with needs ranging from funding for primary education to the purchase of equipment for physically handicapped children.

The Clyde F. Green Foundation has done some amazing things within the states, but the assistance and caring spirit has not stopped there. In August of 2007, on a trip to Zambia, Tim met a man who broadened the mission of the Clyde F. Green Foundation. An opportunity was presented to impact children on an international scope.

During a visit to Zambia to teach for a week in a small adult college, Tim received a visit from a man from Malawi who had traveled many miles to ask for his help. After explaining the terrible condition of his region in Southern Malawi, he asked Tim, “Please, can you help my people?” From that meeting, a relationship developed between the Clyde F. Green Foundation and Australian Secondary Private School in Malawi. They are determined to partner together to educate children and train adults in Southern Malawi.

The foundation plans to supply the educational needs for the secondary school, train its teachers to be more effective, supplement tuition and provide vocational training. The foundation also has plans for a medical clinic and AIDS prevention program. Plans are to develop an agricultural coop, build silos for storage and bring technology to the area to yield greater crop returns. Also, small loans will be given to those who graduate from vocational training to promote small business. The focus is to impact the community to grow an economic base on which to improve living conditions.

Tim's heart has always been focused on helping others through education. He is a firm believer that as we advance our own educational skill set, we are called to then give back to families, communities. . .our world. If you are interested in supporting Tim's mission through the Clyde F. Green Foundation you can learn more about the opportunity at www.clydefgreen.org.

Penny Smith

Penny Smith was born in the United Kingdom. Her formative years were spent there and then in 1986, she moved to Florida, where she raised her daughter, Joannah. After working in occupations varying from banking to manufacturing, Penny returned to school, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management in 1995 and accepted a District Manager position for H&R Block.

Penny was a District Manager for six years and during that time, she served on the Boards of two Chambers of Commerce and the Polk County Economic Development Council. Every year, Penny volunteered to lead committees to plan and execute business expos and fundraising events. She also organized groups of volunteers in events such as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Light the Night for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Paint Your Heart Out, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the United Way's Day of Caring.

In 2002, Penny graduated with a Master of Arts in Business Communication from Jones International University and was promoted to a new position within H&R Block, as a Franchise District Manager. Less than a year later she was promoted to Regional Director and was responsible for five states with over 200 franchise offices and a $50 million budget. She is also an accomplished presenter and corporate trainer, certified in Situational Leadership Training by the Center for Leadership Studies in California. In 2006, Penny and husband John purchased the H&R Block franchises in the South Shore area and relocated to Florida. They also operate the South Shore Training Institute which offers training to business owners, managers and employees.

Throughout all of her business successes, Penny maintains balance by giving back. She feels that volunteering is a means to being involved in positive change within her community. Penny has a passion for helping other women become successful business leaders. As the President of her local American Business Women's Association (ABWA) chapter, she works diligently to mentor women and help them shape their own future. The confidence she gained from going through a master's program that helped her perfect her public speaking and communication skills allows her to empower others. Her efforts paid off, as the South Shore Chapter was recently awarded the Banner Award for Best Practices by the National Organization of ABWA.

Penny and John also share a passion for, and actively support the Mary and Martha House, a local shelter for abused women and children. They assist with major fundraising events and Penny volunteers her time as secretary on the Board of Directors.

Penny's goal is to establish a non-profit organization for disadvantaged women who are looking to find their way in the business world. Plans include offering training in interview skills, resume presentation, computer skills and customer service. The organization will also provide gently used professional attire at low or no cost and professional make-overs by qualified hair stylists and beauticians.

Penny has a heart for her community and encourages all of her H&R Block employees to “get out there and be involved.” She feels that by each of us doing a little, we can all do a lot to move our economy forward and better the world around us.

If you would like more information on the organizations that Penny works with please visit their websites: