The Tucker Community Foundation has announced the appointment of Luke Taylor-Ide to its board of directors. He brings a wealth of experience in education, economics, and community engagement, with a strong focus on driving economic growth in Appalachia.
David Moran, the board president, expressed the board’s enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Luke Taylor-Ide to our board of directors. His extensive knowledge and commitment to community engagement will be invaluable to our mission.”
Currently serving as the interim president & CEO of Future Generations University, Taylor-Ide has more than 20 years of experience fostering partnerships with communities, policymakers, and academic experts. His work has included multi-year assignments in Afghanistan, India, and Nepal. After earning his graduate degree from Harvard University, he returned to his childhood home and helped establish Future Generations University’s Appalachian program in 2013. Today, the program stands out as one of the premier organizations in central Appalachia, specializing in maple production, agroforestry, and youth development.
Taylor-Ide’s current research emphasizes supporting economic growth at the intersection of agroforestry, agritourism, and outdoor recreation in Appalachia. He is also the co-founder and president of the Pendleton County Farmers Market and a founding trustee of the Pendleton Community Foundation.
“I am truly excited about the opportunity to join the board of directors of the Tucker Community Foundation,” said Taylor-Ide. “This organization has made a significant impact in our region, and I look forward to collaborating with the board and the community to create sustainable opportunities for growth and development in Appalachia. Together, we can foster a spirit of generosity and drive positive change for our neighbors and future generations.”
Founded in 1989 in Tucker County, the Tucker Community Foundation has expanded its initiatives to include Barbour, Grant, Mineral, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, and Upshur counties in West Virginia, as well as Garrett County, Maryland. Inspired by the devastating 1985 flood, the foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable opportunities for individuals and communities through a culture of generous giving, without expecting personal gain.
For more information about the Tucker Community Foundation and its initiatives, contact the office at 304-478-2930 or visit www.tuckerfoundationwv.org.
