The mission of the CB Community Education Foundation, a local 501c3 non-profit charitable organization, is to provide support to individuals and families in ways that contribute to their ability to learn. The organization accomplishes its mission through cooperation with the Council Bluffs Community School District (CBCSD) and other organizations, and actively fundraises for a variety of non-tax supported projects for the CBCSD. Fernando “Butch” Lecuona is the Executive Director of the CB Community Education Foundation.
How did you get started in the business? – After being in the employment and training business for several decades, what attracted me to the CB Community Education Foundation was the opportunity to work in the K-12 education environment to promote and enhance the community dialogue about the importance of career and technical education that leads to good jobs and careers through education and training. Business and Education need to work hand-in-hand; parents need to get more involved and students need to understand what education and skills are required for today’s labor market at a much younger age. It is important to encourage students to make informed decisions about their future.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I’d say it’s been fundraising for the variety of non-tax supported projects of the Council Bluffs Community School District over the past five years.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Receiving the national “Building a World Class Workforce”, the national “Eagle”, and the “William J. Harris Equal Opportunity” awards from the National Association of Workforce Agency while serving as Commissioner of Labor in the administration of Nebraska Governors Ben Nelson, Mike Johanns, and Dave Heineman.
Tell me a little about your family. – My wife Diane and I have been married for 43 years and have three grown children; Leslie, Nikki and Fred. They are all married and we now have seven grandchildren; Trent, Brittany, Cade, Kelly, Madeline, JR, and Isabelle.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – As I reflect back it would be getting married, starting and raising a family, and now being part of my grandchildren’s lives.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – In the 60’s, I was a singer in a rock ‘n’ roll band called the “Sound Effect.”
What are you the most proud of? – My family and my career.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Treat all people with dignity and respect.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Takin’ Care of Business” by BTO.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The power to end all conflicts around the world.
Which talent would you most like to have? – The talent to understand the benefits of social media as it applies to business.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I love what I do and can’t think of a better calling.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Smart Talk by Lou Tice.
What is your favorite movie? – The Patriot.
What is your favorite TV show? – Any of the CSI shows.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Howard’s Mexican Restaurant.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Sir Paul McCartney.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached by phone at (712) 322-8800 or by email at flecuona@cb-cef.org, or visit our website at www.commedfoundation.org.