Bright Minds Foundation is thrilled to welcome three new community members to our Board of Directors, along with a new Office Assistant staff member recently. Each of these individuals brings extensive professional experience, new energy and ideas, community relationships, and a deep commitment to supporting education in our community.
Carrie Dunn
Carrie Dunn brings more than 15 years of experience in administrative support, marketing coordination, and event management across corporate and community settings. An HCPSS alum with deep ties to Howard County, Carrie cares deeply about the schools and community that helped shape her. She values the important role Bright Minds plays in expanding opportunities for local students. In her past professional work, she has coordinated complex logistics, managed communications and data, and supported seamless operations—skills that translate directly to supporting our team and mission. As Office Assistant for Bright Minds, Carrie now supports the Foundation’s day-to-day operations and stewardship efforts—managing donor and gift records, assisting with financial tracking and acknowledgments, supporting event planning, and maintaining data and communications systems.
April Perry
April Perry brings more than 30 years of experience in human resources and strategic management to the board, currently serving as Director of People, Culture, and Operations at the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). A SHRM-CP certified leader and President-Elect of the SHRM Howard County Chapter, April is a passionate advocate for workforce development, mentorship, and community outreach, with a longstanding commitment to supporting youth achievement and strengthening connections between education and opportunity.
“I am honored to serve on the Board of Bright Minds Foundation in support of its mission to garner and leverage community resources for academic initiatives and programs that promote educational innovation and equity for all students in our county. Bright Mind’s mission closely aligns with my commitment to support and connect community‑based organizations, businesses, and government partners to provide assistance to residents in need, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen workforce development—all with the goal of improving individual and community outcomes. I look forward to contributing my HR, operational, and strategic planning expertise as I collaborate with my fellow Board members to advance Bright Mind’s mission and achieve its annual objectives.”
Katy Sedney
Kathleen (Katy) Sedney brings more than two decades of leadership experience in federal oversight, auditing, and fraud investigation to our board. Most recently serving as Assistant Inspector General for Audit, Inspections, and Evaluations at the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General, Kathleen has overseen large audit teams, identified significant cost savings, and provided strategic guidance at the highest levels of government. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, she is also an active community leader, serving on local nonprofit and youth-focused boards, and is passionate about strengthening accountability, opportunity, and outcomes for students and families in our public schools.
“I joined the Bright Minds Board because strong public schools are essential to a strong community. Bright Minds plays a vital role in expanding opportunities and supporting innovative programs that directly benefit students and educators. I am honored to contribute my experience in financial stewardship and governance to help advance the organization’s mission and ensure it continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on our school system.”
Loren Looney
Loren Looney brings more than 19 years of experience in financial services to the board, with deep expertise in relationship building, community engagement, and financial education. As Business Development Officer with the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, she works closely with the Howard County Public School System to deliver financial wellness programs and build meaningful partnerships that support educators and school employees. Loren is passionate about empowering individuals with the tools and resources they need to thrive and is excited to extend that impact in service to our students and schools.
“I’m passionate about the transformative power of education and the role it plays in shaping strong, vibrant communities. Through my work with Educational Systems FCU, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that access to resources and opportunities can have on students and educators alike. Joining the Bright Minds Foundation Board is allowing me to extend that impact beyond financial services. I’m particularly inspired by the Foundation’s commitment to equity, innovation, and enrichment, and I’m excited to contribute to initiatives that help students in Howard County thrive both academically and personally.”
