Western Piedmont Foundation adds BOE member Sohovich to its board

Burke County Board of Education member Jane Sohovich is one of two board members welcomed by the Western Piedmont Foundation (WPF) during its annual meeting on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Sohovich, who chose not to file for reelection on the school board, will bring 26 years of serving on past boards in Burke County and fundraising experience to her new position at WPF. She names the $1.5 million teacher supplement, the $42 million needs-based capital grant for Burke County Public Schools (BCPS), and the new BOE central office as her proudest accomplishments with the current board of education.

“Three and a half years ago, God put me on the (school) board for a reason. Students and education have been the core of what my life has been,” Sohovich said. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board of education. I love the people that I’ve worked with — we work very well together and have accomplished so many things.”

Sohovich describes her new role with WPF as a beautiful bridge between BCPS and WPCC.

“This is an extension of the board that I will carry into WPCC. I will still be able to serve students from BCPS who will be moving into college at WPCC,” Sohovich said.

In addition to Sohovich, Shaun Cline, a WPCC alumnus and previous board member, has been reappointed to the board of directors.

“The college has long served as a centerpiece of our community for higher education,” Cline said. Cline earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Appalachian State University and has held various positions in financial management since 2004.

In addition, Cline is a fundraising liaison for the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation and has previously served on their board. He currently works as a financial sales manager at First Citizens Bank.

WPF is a nonprofit organization created in 1967 to encourage and develop public and private support for Western Piedmont Community College.