Ann Blakeney Clark
In her 30-year career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Ann Blakeney Clark has dedicated herself to improving and expanding educational opportunities for youth. She was named North Carolina Principal of the Year in 1993 and a year later, National Principal of the Year. Ann led the Strategic Staffing Effort which places highly effective teachers and principals in the lowest performing schools. This initiative was spotlighted in Newsweek magazine, the New York Times and has been lauded by US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. In 2012, Ann’s leadership strengthened the partnership between the Arts and Science Council and CMS, assuring that every student had the opportunity for cultural experiences. She has made certain that teachers and principles are aware of the cultural experiences. She has made certain that teachers and principals are aware of the cultural resources in our community and how best utilize them. She was actively involved in the effort to redesign the support system that funds cultural programs in the classroom. Now every school has funds to hire Art, Science and History program providers and to pay for the related field trips. Woman of the Year 2012.
2012
Anna Spangler Nelson
Anna Spangler Nelson has a lifetime of providing passionate committed leadership to community projects, especially public education. Most recently, she has been the driving force in the conceptualization and implementation of Project L.I.F.T. Anna has served as co-chair of Project L.I.F.T. along with Stick Williams, of the Duke Energy Foundation. Along with others, Anna helped raise the $55 million required to implement the plan. While the project has a 5-year plan, in large part because of Anna’s tenacity, it is already reaping significant benefits for the children, schools and families of the West Charlotte corridor.
Anna’s service to the Charlotte community extends far beyond her focus on public education. She has served in leadership roles with many non-profits including YMCA, Presbyterian Hospital and Novant, the Knight Foundation, and the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund. In addition, she was a member of the organizing boards of the Community Catalyst Fund, Charlotte Research Institute, and Carolina Thread Trail. She has also served as a cultural leader as a member of the Arts and Science Council Board. Woman of the Year 2012.
