The Innovative Technology Education Fund is happy to welcome back Joe Komos, Vice President of St. Louis University High, to the Board of Directors as Board Chair!
Mr. Komos has always believed in the importance of education. This value was greatly shaped by his father and his academic experiences in Catholic and Jesuit primary and secondary schools. “My sister is a retired teacher,” Mr. Komos shared. His brothers have also been involved in education, from teaching to volunteering at a school after retirement. “Our dad had a huge impact on my values because he believed in education and how transformative it was. A lot of that rubbed off on me and what I do.”
Mr. Komos began his professional career in the business world, where he held various financial and technology leadership roles across different St. Louis companies. In 2011, he transitioned into education when he accepted an administrative position at St. Louis University High. It was the school’s sense of mission that inspired him to take on the role.
“When I took the job at St. Louis University High, I wasn’t looking for a job,” Mr. Komos shared. “I made a decision at that point in my career to move into something that was more mission driven… St. Louis University High is a school that has a strong sense of mission in what it does. We have students based on academics and merits, and provide scholarships to students that don’t have the financial means. I like the idea of working somewhere that is not about profits – it’s about the students.”
Mr. Komos learned about the Innovative Technology Education Fund from a lifelong friend who served on the board. With his background in accounting and education, he was invited to serve as Treasurer. Again, it was the mission of the organization that called him to accept the position: “We have the chance to have a major impact on schools and kids in the classroom.”
During his 6-year tenure in the Board of Directors, Mr. Komos had the opportunity to work with many leaders in the community and see the organization grow under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Charmaine Smith. “It was great to see Charmaine bring a new level of professionalism and organizational culture to us,” He said. “The thing that is great about the people in the ITEF board is that we all have a passion for education. When we do have things to discuss, [we] have good conversations.”
Mr. Komos is looking forward to the opportunity to further support the St. Louis K-12 community through the Innovative Technology Education Fund. “We might not be able to solve every problem,” Mr. Komos noted, “But there might be things we can provide funding for.” He emphasized the importance of understanding the current educational environment and the challenges that educators face, and wants to continue strengthening the relationship that the Innovative Technology Education Fund has with educators.
“At the end of the day, it’s really about the kids,” He says. “When people apply for the grants and they focus on their students, the grants can be really impactful.”
