JPEF Welcomes New Board Members

The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) announced the appointment of Charmaine T. M. Chiu, Julie Gladstone, and Mary Goldsmith to its Board of Directors, along with the addition of Dr. Mari Richardson as an ex officio member. Together, these leaders bring deep expertise in healthcare, law, government affairs, and classroom practice, reinforcing JPEF’s role as a bridge between research, policy, and real-world impact for Jacksonville’s public school students.

“JPEF exists to help ensure that decisions about education are informed by evidence, guided by community, and focused on student success,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, president of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund. “Charmaine, Julie, Mary, and Dr. Richardson each bring a different but critically important lens to that work, from navigating complex systems and public policy to understanding firsthand what it takes to help students thrive in the classroom. Their leadership will strengthen our ability to move ideas into action for the benefit of every child in Duval County.”

Charmaine T. M. Chiu

Chiu is a shareholder and member of the Board of Directors for Smith Hulsey & Busey and serves as chair of its integrated healthcare practice team. One of only 129 attorneys in Florida certified by The Florida Bar in healthcare law, she has held that distinction since 2012. Her practice focuses on representing health systems, academic medical centers, physician groups, and other healthcare providers in complex transactions, regulatory compliance, and growth strategies — including forming clinically integrated networks and accountable care organizations and advising on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

A former Chair of The Florida Bar Health Law Section and its Health Law Certification Committee, Chiu has been recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal as both a Women of Influence and an Ultimate Attorney. A Jacksonville native, she is deeply committed to organizations serving children and the arts.

Julie Gladstone

Gladstone received her J.D., with honors, from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and holds a B.A. in Political Science and French from Westminster College. While in law school, she served as a student attorney in the Entrepreneurship & Intellectual Property Clinic, interned with the St. Louis Zoo’s legal department, and was a staff editor of the Global Studies Law Review. She also completed coursework in employment and labor law and published research on BMI-based hiring practices, giving her a strong foundation in workforce policy, compliance, and fair, effective employment systems.

Mary Goldsmith

Goldsmith serves as National Director for Business Development and Government Relations for RSM’s government services industry, where she leads federal and state engagement across sectors including affordable housing, telecom, economic development, transportation, and health and human services. With more than 13 years of experience in legislative affairs, lobbying, and grant and contract strategy, she brings deep expertise in how public funding, policy, and partnerships shape outcomes for communities.

Goldsmith is also a longtime civic leader, currently serving on the Board of Directors of KIPP Jacksonville and as Co-Chair of JPEF’s 2025 EDTalks. She is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville and Leadership Washington and has held leadership roles with numerous civic, education, and nonprofit organizations at both the local and national levels.

Dr. Mari Richardson (Ex Officio)

Dr. Mari Richardson is the 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year and teaches Biology and Honors Biology at Jean Ribault High School, where she also serves as Science Department Chair. Known for blending rigorous science instruction with literacy and relationship-based teaching, she has helped raise student Lexile levels and ELA pass rates while leading professional learning communities that strengthen instruction school-wide.

Her appointment ensures that the voice of practicing educators — and the realities of today’s classrooms — remain at the center of JPEF’s strategy and advocacy

Together, the new board members enhance JPEF’s ability to bridge education policy, community voice, and student outcomes, building a stronger future for every learner in Jacksonville.