Chairman
 

“The IFOJ provides an awesome opportunity to help young Jamaicans maintain a keen focus on academic success. These students will be the foundation for a new, more successful Jamaica, and I’m happy to play a role in helping them focus on the intellectualism they will need to be strong effective and results oriented adults. My participation in the work of the IFOJ, allows me the unique opportunity to participate in charitable work, while helping young Jamaicans focus their attention on academic success.”

A longtime supporter of education in Jamaica, Garnet Gibson assumed the Chairmanship in December 2010. As Chairman, he oversees the execution of the Foundation’s mission and strategy, as well as supporting committee and team leaders in achieving IFOJ’s objectives. Mr. Gibson is also the chief ambassador of IFOJ in its relationships with the wider community, including donors, scholarship candidates and educators.

Garnet is passionate about making a great education accessible to high school students in Jamaica. He is intimately aware of the economic difficulties facing the average urban Jamaican, through his own student experience in Kingston, his role as a teacher for several years, and his consistent study and research of the Jamaican educational and economic system.

Mr. Gibson brings more than twenty years of progressive finance and management experience to his role at the IFOJ, including his current position as Finance Director at Arrow Electronics. He holds a BS in Economics and Accounting from the University of the West Indies, Mona and an MBA in Finance from Adelphi University in New York.

In his spare time, Garnet enjoys time with his family, music, watching international soccer and cricket, and playing in a recreational cricket league.

Vice Chairman
 

Derek Popp is an Executive Director with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. Derek started with J.P. Morgan in 2002 and has had numerous roles within the firm.

In his role as Vice-Chair, Derek will work closely with the Chairman in executing the vision and direction of the organization.

Derek graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with a double major in finance and economics. He is an avid supporter of all of Boston's sports teams and in his free time enjoys traveling to different countries and experiencing the local culture.

Treasurer

Mr. Dickson is Senior Treasury Manager at Rogers Corporation, a technology company, where he leads initiatives in currency management, global cash management, banking and M&A financing. He holds advanced degrees in finance and taxation from Babson College and Bentley University, respectively, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, concentration in Finance ( high honors ) from the University of the West Indies.

“I am particularly thrilled that IFOJ is providing the opportunity for me to satisfy a long-held desire to actively and consistently give of my time, talents and treasure to a worthwhile cause. Helping under-served kids in Jamaica to achieve academic excellence is a no-brainer, and I am excited to be a key player in the IFOJ mission.”

As Treasurer, Easton Dickson provides financial leadership to the organization. He oversees the financial planning process, directs the financial operations of the organization, establishes and maintains appropriate financial controls, and stewardship of all financial resources and assets. Additionally, Easton represents the Foundation in its financial dealings with third parties, facilitates financial audits and provides timely financial reports to the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Dickson is Senior Treasury Manager at Rogers Corporation, a technology company, where he leads initiatives in currency management, global cash management, banking and M&A financing. He holds advanced degrees in finance and taxation from Babson College and Bentley University, respectively, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, concentration in Finance ( high honors ) from the University of the West Indies.

Easton enjoys travel and leisure time with his family. He is an avid sports enthusiast and an aspiring writer.

Secretary

Joining the Board of IFOJ is a great honor for me. I’m passionate about education, especially the education of Jamaican students and I’m very happy for the opportunity to work with the team at IFOJ to help promote strong education in Jamaica.

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As a Jamaican, I’m acutely aware of the challenges faced by students on a daily basis. Limited resources have unfortunately created a system that fail to provide all our students with the tools needed to perform well in school. While our governments have made good stride in improving the quality of education available to our nation’s children, it is still true that too many of our children are unable to achieve their true potential due to unavailability of books, lunch money, transportation expense, tuition fee etc.

I’m particularly pleased that IFOJ will not only focus on those with strong academic results for its scholarships, but will also include financial need as a critical criterion. This will in my view ensure that the scholarships are not only going to those children who are already blessed with financial resources, but those who are most in need.

I’m a human resources expert, with both my undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of the West Indies, Mona campus in Jamaica. I am a seasoned professional and I’m anxious to use my expertise and knowledge to assist the Intellectual Foundation of Jamaica to meet its goals.

Board Member

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Additional information on Mr. Holder will be added soon.

Board Member

George spearheads the Foundation’s growth in Canada, and is leads the social network efforts to ensure maximum impact across all platforms.

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“Giving back to society is very important to me and especially when the beneficiary is our young people. When the idea of IFOJ was introduced to me, I was immediately captivated by the enormous opportunity I would have in working for our young people in Jamaica through this organization. IFOJ is an organization that is committed to the enhancement and upliftment of our young people by assisting and challenging them to use education as a catalyst to improve their lives and those around them.”

Mr. Montague is an experienced professional with over 20 years of in-depth accounting, financial planning and budgeting experience in the finance, airlines and not-for-profit industries. George also possesses extensive volunteer work experience, including leadership roles in civic and educational organizations. He is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting.

George is a devoted father and husband, who enjoys family time, track and field, and cheering on his beloved alma mater, Kingston College.