(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Sept. 5, 2017) - - - The Columbia State Community College Foundation is pleased to announce Darlene Baxter, Stephen Hughes, Carol Aiken and Jim Robinson as new board members.

Baxter, retired Maury Regional Medical Center vice president, has previously served as a Foundation board member. Baxter is a member of several organizations and has held several leadership roles in the community, including the Kiwanis Club of Columbia where she previously served as their Lt. Governor. She is currently a member of the City of Columbia Industrial Development Board; past president and board member of Boys and Girls Club of Maury County; past president of the Maury County Chapter of the American Cancer Society and American Red Cross; and is a past board member of Maury County Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous other boards.

Hughes, First Farmers and Merchants Bank senior commercial banking officer, is an alumnus of Columbia State and a native of Maury County. He has served on numerous boards, including the Maury Alliance Board, the King's Daughters' School Board and the Youth Education Foundation.

Aiken works in the outpatient wound care center at Maury Regional Medical Center and owns and operates a farm in East Tennessee with her husband. Aiken is an active member of Farm Bureau, and is a recent graduate of the 2016-2017 Leadership Maury class.

Robinson, Heritage Bank and Trust president and CEO, is a resident of Maury County. He is an active member of the Columbia Noon Rotary Club and a board member of Boys and Girls Club of Maury County. Previously, Robinson served as the secretary and treasurer for the Independent Bankers Division of the Tennessee Bankers Association.

Kirk Kelso, Foundation board chair, recently welcomed the new members at an orientation luncheon for new board members.

"The Foundation is important to the success of Columbia State, and these members will bring each of their individual talents to the collective work of the board," Kelso said.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, emphasized that "the partnership between the Foundation and the College is a bridge for building connections with individuals and organizations."

Columbia State Foundation board members serve three-year terms and represent leaders from across the nine-county service area. The Foundation's mission is to support and partner with Columbia State to positively impact our communities and student success through the maintenance and enhancement of resources. This is achieved by excellence in relationship building, fundraising and investment management.

Photo Caption: Darlene Baxter, retired Maury Regional Medical Center vice president and new Columbia State Foundation board member.

Photo Caption: Stephen Hughes, First Farmers and Merchants Bank senior commercial banking officer and new Columbia State Foundation board member.

Photo Caption: Carol Aiken, Maury Regional Medical Center employee and new Columbia State Foundation board member.

Photo Caption: Jim Robinson, Heritage Bank and Trust president and CEO and new Columbia State Foundation board member.

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