The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades recently announced that Marie Bedner, co-owner of Bedner Farm and Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market, and Chris Facka, senior director of BNY Mellon Wealth Management, have been appointed to the organization’s board of directors.
Bedner, a Florida native, has been involved in agriculture in Palm Beach County for 28 years. Bedner’s Farm is South Florida’s first and largest family owned and operated indoor green market producing fresh products from their 80 acres near the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
Bedner and her husband, Steve, are Wellington residents and have been actively involved with the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for several years. She currently serves on the board of the Florida Fruits & Vegetable Association, the advisory board for Gulfstream Business Bank and the board of trustees at Bethesda Hospital.
Facka began his career as a financial advisor, market development manager and branch manager with Wells Fargo Advisors’ Private Client Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an MBA from DePaul University, as well as a Certified Financial Planner designation. As senior director of BNY Mellon Wealth Management in Palm Beach, Facka is responsible for new business development in the Southeast region. He works with individuals, families, foundations and endowments with investable assets over $5 million. Chris has served various organizations, utilizing his expertise in fundraising support, board development and financial management. He resides with his family in Jupiter.
“As a family, we enjoy camping near Flamingo in the Everglades National Park, kayaking the Randall River and Wilderness Trail, and taking regular swamp walks through the Big Cypress Preserve,” Facka said.
Two new members were also named to the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation’s Advisory Board. They are Bonnie Lazar, a Realtor at Keller Williams Realty Services, and Michelle Poole, owner and CFO of North Ridge Electric Inc. and a noted advocate for Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Lazar, a West Palm Beach resident, began her real estate career in New York and has been affiliated with the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches since 2001, first as a member and then rising through the leadership ranks to president. She has extensive experience in sales and management and is recognized as a leader in the real estate industry. Lazar currently serves as past president of the Regional Multiple Listing Service and vice president of the West Palm Beach Lions Club.
Poole served her industry on a local, statewide and national basis, including working with Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole, in setting standards for women in jobs traditionally held by men. She was also recognized as the 2012 Advocate of the Year for the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. She resides in Lake Worth.
Founded in 1998, the Marshall Foundation for the Everglades promotes the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem through science-based education and outreach programs. For more info., call (561) 233-9004 or visit www.artmarshall.org.
ABOVE: Marie Bedner
