Suzi Pagel, CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), has served as Midway ISD’s Director of Development since 2002. During this time, the Foundation has provided over $1.75 million for more than 650 classroom grants for the students and staff of Midway ISD and has an endowment of $2 million dollars. The Education Foundation has funded other programs beyond the scope of the typical school budget such as academic letter jackets and funds for first year teachers to supply their classrooms.
Suzi holds a B.S.Ed. from Baylor University. In addition to teaching in Texas and California, she served as the volunteer coordinator for the City of Woodway and the program coordinator of Keep Knoxville Beautiful. She volunteers for the Junior League, Hewitt Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Suzi has received the Junior League’s Golden Wing Award for Outstanding Volunteerism and the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Outstanding Professional Fundraiser awards.
Let's go beyond the bio and get to know more about Suzi!
What would your superpower be and why?
I would have the power to always say the right thing at the right time to a friend. Wouldn’t I be a fabulous friend?
What is your favorite movie?
It’s a tie between Grease and Dirty Dancing. I stop dead in my tracks anytime either one is on TV so I can watch it, as if I hadn’t seen each of them countless times.
You can have anyone fictional as your imaginary friend, who do you choose and why?
Wonder Woman. I could learn a lot from her.
If you could do something with the guarantee that you would not fail, what would you do?
I’d travel in space to the moon or Mars.
What was your very first job and what did you think of it?
I was a “lifeguard” at the local swimming pool. I use that term loosely. I spent most of my time yelling at kids to get off the rope across the middle of the pool. Thank goodness no one needed saving, because I was really just there to get a tan.
The zombie apocalypse is coming, who are 3 people you want on your survival team?
My husband Tom, Chuck Norris & Elon Musk
Who was your childhood actor/actress crush?
Tom Hanks
Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
Jim Neighbors. He was in my seat in first class on the way to Hawaii and I had the attendant boot him out of my seat. The attendants weren’t very nice to me the rest of the trip, but I had the most leg room in the plane.
Your favorite subject in school (elementary, middle, high school or college) and why?
Government was my favorite, but typing was the most useful.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Complete the unpleasant task first, then you don’t have to dread doing it anymore.
Who is your favorite musical artist/band?
Beatles forever.
suzi@foundationinnovation.com ext. 705