Our Mission as an independent, mission-aligned partner of Gentry Academy, the Gentry Foundation secures incremental funding for school-wide programs and services that strengthen academic learning, athletic improvement, and leadership excellence to support the whole person on their life journey.
Our Vision is to ensure educational, athletic and leadership excellence at Gentry academy for all students and staff.
All Gentry Academy students and staff through funds for building and equipment needs. Gentry Foundation also provides scholarships for students, as well as funding for teachers to improve upon their education and classrooms. All funds obtained will help to strengthen the educational, leadership, and athletic needs of all our students and staff at Gentry Academy.
Yes, school districts across the country have similar education foundations, including more than 36 in Minnesota.
The Gentry Foundation is funded by donations from individuals, foundations and community groups; sponsorships from local businesses; and grants from corporations, who value our work at Gentry Academy.
The Gentry Foundation helps ensure the caliber of educational, athletic and leadership programs we have come to expect at Gentry Academy. As funding issues continue to challenge public schools, education foundations aid their local school districts by generating private financial support that helps close funding gaps. Your donation ensures access to greater academic, athletic and leadership opportunities for all students, today and into the future.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is school specific fundraising group that supports teachers and family events at Gentry.
Booster Club’s mission is to raise funds and support for our individual Gentry sports teams.
Troy Kaplan | Troy.Kaplans@gentryfoundationmn.org
Troy Kaplan is a dedicated parent and entrepreneur and currently as a board member for the Gentry Foundation. Troy resides in Hugo with is Wife Alana and their two children Lexi and Lucy. Troy also has an older son Ethan. Lexi currently attends Gentry Academy as a 7th grader. Troy was the founder of TGK Automotive in which he had 25 Automotive Shops Operating in Minnesota and Arizona. Troy sold TGK Automotive in 2022 and began consulting for numerous Automotive repair shops across the Country. In his free time, he is actively involved in Coaching softball and spending time with his family.
Member at Large | Sam.Ruotsinojanfo@gentryfoundationmn.org
Sam Ruotsinoja (Member at Large) is the proud owner of a thriving electrical contracting business. As an experienced contractor, he bring expertise and dedication to every project. Beyond his professional life, he is a father of three children, two of whom have attended Gentry Academy. He and his wife, Nicky, share a strong bond, creating a warm and nurturing home together. He is thrilled to serve on the Gentry Foundation Board, where he can contribute to a school that has been integral to my family’s life.
Member at Large | Heidi.Larson@Gentryfoundationmn.org
Heidi Larson’s (Member at Large (non voting faculty) background includes nearly two decades of experience as a licensed school counselor as well as two years as director of admissions. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University – St. Paul and her Master of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Passionate about working with high school students, Heidi has extensive knowledge assisting students in exploring educational and post-secondary opportunities. When she is not working with students, giving back to the community is important to Heidi.
Member at Large | Andy.Moravac@gentryfoundationmn.org
Andy Moravec (Member at Large) is a dedicated parent and active community volunteer, currently serving as a board member for the Gentry Foundation. He resides in Hugo with his wife Amber and all three children Everett, Ellie and Jackson attend Gentry Academy. In his professional life, he is a seasoned Software Architect with an extensive professional background in cybersecurity software product development. Away from work he is active in the school and sports community volunteering and coaching.
Treasurer | David.Coulter@gentryfoundationmn.org
David Coulter (Treasurer) lives in White Bear Lake with his wife, Amy. They have lived there for over 30 years. They have two adult children. Both of their kids went through the White Bear Lake schools. David is employed at Gradient Financial Group in the accounting department as the Controller. He’s in his thirteenth year there. During the early years of Gentry Academy, he worked on the accounting for the school. Before working at Gradient, David worked as a Sales representative for a major Pharmaceutical Company. David enjoys watching most sports and try to keep in shape by running.
Secretary | Shannon.Walsh@gentryfoundationmn.org
Shannon Walsh (Secretary) has served on the Gentry Foundation Board for 3 years as secretary and has an 8th grader at Gentry Academy. Shannon and her husband Jon live in Hugo with their daughter Bella (13yrs) and son Toby (8yrs). She has been impressed with the school’s mission to build leaders since day one and has loved finding ways to volunteer and support Gentry Academy.
President | beth.pica@gentryfoundationmn.org
Beth Picha (President) lives in Lino Lakes with her husband, Nick, and their three children: Addy(16), Blake (13), and Chase(9). Addy is currently in 11th grade and attends Gentry Academy. Beth works as a Managing Director for Korn Ferry and is the Lead Adjunct for the MBA Marketing Courses at Concordia University. She is passionate about continuing education excellence and is a strong advocate for furthering Gentry’s mission to develop tomorrow’s leaders.
