Please help us celebrate the upcoming retirement of INK!’s Executive Director, Donna Lueders, and welcome our new Executive Director! Our fearless leader, Donna, will retire on August 31 and newly named executive director, Cathy Newman, will step into her new role on September 1.
“My retirement is bittersweet. The growth and success of the organization, and the innumerous friends and business associates that I’ve met and worked with is a completely rewarding way to retire and ease into my next adventure,” said Donna. “I believe in the power of giving to others and the role fundraising plays in our culture. The best way to do this is by providing a voice for those who feel voiceless and want to be heard,” she said.
“My biggest objective in life is to support those around me reach their goals through creative solutions and hard work. Integrity, honesty, and humor are paramount to the way I have led and will continue as I move into my next chapter in this amazing community. In my new free time, you will find me listening to music, camping, and spending time with family.”
A 17-year Legacy of Service to St. Johns County, our Public Schools, and our Students
Donna has led INK! as executive director since 2006. Over that time, she helped raise millions of dollars for the 501(c)(3) corporation and establish sustaining relationships with donors, partners, sponsors, and supporters while providing the community with an opportunity for creative programs benefiting students and educators throughout the St. Johns County School District. As a result of her fundraising efforts, INK! has been able to support the St. Johns County School District by funding programs with a deep impact on student and teacher success where there is a gap in public funding. We are excited that Donna will remain with INK! for approximately six months after her retirement date as a consultant to assist our team through this transition.
Prior to joining INK! and for more than 20 years, Lueders served as a victim’s advocate for St. Johns County and the State of Florida Attorney’s Office, 7th Judicial Circuit. She serves in a variety of volunteer capacities with civic and business organizations throughout northeast Florida. Lueders holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. She and her husband Loran Lueders, former Police Chief for the City of St. Augustine, have resided in the local community for more than 40 years.
Cathy has served as INK!’s Community and District Relations Achievement Director since 2021. She was selected by INK!’s Board following an extensive search and will begin her new role on September 1 overseeing the Foundation’s community initiatives and staff activities, along with fundraising, innovative educational programs, classroom resources, and teacher support for St. Johns County public schools. She will continue to maintain and build relationships with key stakeholders and contributors to the organization.
Cathy was previously the Economic Development Manager for St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and served as an executive management professional and director for nonprofit and for-profit businesses in real estate, law, and marketing. She holds a B.A. degree in International Relations and Government with academic and athletic honors from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. She also holds a graduate certificate in Strategic Communications from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and has completed graduate coursework in Business Management at Florida State University’s College of Business in Tallahassee, Fla.
“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by Donna, our board of directors, and advisors to manage the meaningful and extraordinary work that INK! does and that has been supported by a team of caring and dedicated professionals,” Cathy said. “Over the last 17 years, Donna has grown INK!’s impact tremendously throughout St. Johns County and the St. Johns County School District. I am excited to continue the work Donna started and look forward to working closely with our board of directors, INK! staff, school district administrators, donors, supporters, and educators to help our students achieve success.”
Cultivating Success for Students and Teachers since 1994
INK! has cultivated success for students and teachers since 1994. The State of Florida has designated and recognized INK! as the direct support organization for the St. Johns County School District.
“INK! is blessed to have been guided by Donna Lueders. I have only good things to say about her leadership, friendship, and commitment to our community,” said Paul Ray, President of the INK! Board of Directors from 2021 to 2023. “Working with Donna for more than six years, I have seen firsthand her passion for ensuring our students and teachers have every tool at their disposal for success.”
“As we move into a new season of leadership, Donna has positioned us for success. I am confident that Cathy will carry on that dedication to our school district. She brings a similar passion for our community and has already shown herself to breathe the culture of INK!,” said Ray. “Thank you for your years of dedication, Donna. Cathy, we look forward to seeing what is next in our service of education in St Johns County.”
