Our Team
Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.
-Albert Einstein
Jamie Elzea
Interim Executive Director
Jamie@bsfdn.org
Jamie is a Nonprofit Consultant, Executive Director, and Board Advisor with over 15 years of leadership experience supporting mission-driven organizations through periods of transition, growth, and change. She specializes in reflective, values-driven guidance to strengthen governance and executive leadership; develop strategy and sustainability plans; and invest in healthy organizational culture.
Informed by her dual Masters in Public Health and Social Work from University of Michigan, Jamie has held key leadership roles for organizations focused on health, mental health, chronic illness, peer recovery support, and early childhood and family services. As Interim Executive Director, Jamie strives ensure alignment between mission, strategy, and resources — always centering community voice, equity, and impact.
Rotem Nimni
Community Engagement Officer
Rotem@bsfdn.org
Rotem Nimni is the Community Engagement Officer at Bellevue Schools Foundation, where she works to build meaningful partnerships and connect community members and organizations in support of Bellevue students. She brings more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, program management, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships in the U.S. and abroad.
Rotem holds a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Education in Informal Education. Throughout her career, she has led cross-sector initiatives, developed strategic partnerships, managed volunteer programs, and created opportunities that strengthen communities and expand access to educational resources.
As a Bellevue-area parent, Rotem is passionate about supporting public education and believes that strong community partnerships help every student thrive. She is excited to collaborate with donors, volunteers, schools, and community partners to advance the Foundation's mission.
Radhika Penugonda
Development Manager
Radhika@bsfdn.org
Radhika has experience in administration, customer service and nonprofit development, with a career spanning both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She previously served as BSF Ambassador and is a recipient of the Golden Acorn Award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service to the PTSA.
Radhika holds a bachelor's degree in Commerce and a Higher Diploma in Software Engineering. She grew up in Chennai, India, and moved to the United States in 2006. She enjoys giving back to her community, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Jamie Haydock
Finance Manager
finance@bsfdn.org
Jamie Haydock is the Finance Manager with a diverse background in finance, operations, and education. She has held leadership roles in private schools and nonprofit organizations, bringing extensive experience in financial management and organizational operations. Originally from Northern California, Jamie moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2020. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, and Business Administration and is passionate about supporting educational communities through her work.
Mira Thai
Office Manager
Mira@bsfdn.org
Mira joined the Bellevue Schools Foundation in September 2025. As a product of Bellevue School District, she has experienced firsthand the impact of generous investments in top-notch educational opportunities for all BSD students. She is proud to return and support the community that raised her.
Mira graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2023 and majored in religion studies. Since graduating, she has journeyed back and forth between Washington and Vietnam, teaching English and facilitating cultural exchange programs.