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TAPROOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES RUSSATTA BUFORD, TIMOTHY McCLIMON, AND JUNNA RO

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2 years ago

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New board members bring expertise in nonprofit operations, finance,
law and passion for skilled volunteering

NEW YORK, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Taproot is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Directors:  Russatta Buford, Timothy McClimon, and Junna Ro. Each is a professional at the top of their field with expertise in operations, finance, nonprofit management, and legal compliance, as well as a passion for Taproot’s mission. With more than 20 years of expertise, Taproot is a leading voice in the field of pro bono service, connecting volunteers skilled in areas such as marketing, strategic planning, HR, technology, and finance with social good organizations in need of their support.

Russatta Buford brings more than 20 years of experience in strategy, operational excellence, and change management. She participated in her first Taproot project in 2016 while working with American Express, and it was that experience that propelled a career shift from the private to nonprofit sector. Buford most recently led finance, operations, and human resources at the Ms. Foundation for Women. Prior to that, she served as the Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO at DataKind, and held leadership positions at Teach for America, Brooklyn Org, and Global Health Corps. Before working in nonprofits, Buford worked in oil & gas and financial services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Florida A&M University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.   

“I am passionate about acting responsibly to address the societal challenges we face. In order to do that effectively, it takes all of us—regardless of our sector,” Buford shared. “Taproot is largely responsible for my career shift to the nonprofit sector over a decade ago and I’m honored to be in a position to contribute to Taproot’s continued impact.”

Timothy McClimon is a strategic nonprofit and corporate executive and consultant who serves as President of The Celeste Group, a management consulting firm, and as the Executive Director of Signature Theatre, a nonprofit in New York. Previously, McClimon served as President of the American Express Foundation and Senior Vice President at American Express, as well as working with AT&T Foundation, Second Stage Theater, and as a lawyer for nonprofit clients. McClimon is a dynamic thought leader in corporate social responsibility, leadership development, and nonprofit management. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, an adjunct professor at New York University, and serves on the boards of Signature Theatre and the Mark Morris Dance Group. 

“As a former business and foundation executive, I have long admired Taproot’s expertise in recruiting, training, and placing corporate volunteers with nonprofit organizations in need of assistance,” McClimon shared. “Now as a nonprofit leader, I more fully understand Taproot’s place in the sector. I am proud and humbled to join the Taproot Board of Directors and be part of the team that helps sustain the organization’s vital place in the nonprofit world.”

Junna Ro is a seasoned legal and compliance executive with experience in higher education, insurance, and technology. She currently leads strategic legal initiatives at the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), which serves as the headquarters for the university system’s ten campuses, five medical centers, and three affiliated national labs. Ro previously served as General Counsel and Head of People at Metromile; VP, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for AAA; and Corporate Counsel for Symantec and VERITAS Software in Silicon Valley. She serves on the board of Community Boards, the longest–running nonprofit conflict resolution and restorative justice center in the country, and on the advisory council for the Asian Pacific Fund. Ro earned her JD from Santa Clara University School of Law, and her BA in Political Science from UCLA.  

“I am honored and thrilled to join the board of Taproot, to further their commitment to help nonprofits access skilled pro bono resources,” Ro said. “Taproot’s values of authentic engagement, passionate optimism, and realistic impact-orientation resonate deeply for me. I look forward to meaningfully supporting its work to advance resource equity, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable social change.”

The three new members were recommended to the Board of Directors by former Taproot CEO Linsday Gruber in one of her final acts before departing the organization in June. Taproot is grateful for her leadership during this transition and looks forward to the strategic insights that Russatta Buford, Timothy McClimon, and Junna Ro will bring to the Board.

About Taproot:

Taproot is a nonprofit organization that connects social change organizations with passionate, skilled volunteers who share their expertise pro bono. Taproot’s programs help organizations overcome their most pressing challenges and create lasting impact in their communities. Learn more at www.taprootfoundation.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/taproot-board-of-directors-welcomes-russatta-buford-timothy-mcclimon-and-junna-ro-302182067.html

SOURCE Taproot Foundation

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Math in Motion: GoNoodle Hosts St. Jude Math-A-Thon® Activities to Support Classroom Learning and Charity

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14 minutes ago

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April 27, 2026

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GoNoodle introduces St. Jude Math-A-Thon content within its STEM Lab channel, offering schools end-of-year learning activities that support a charitable cause

ATLANTA, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GoNoodle, a platform focused on movement-based learning, today announced it will host St. Jude Math-A-Thon® activities within its STEM Lab channel, bringing inspiration, joyful learning, and meaningful engagement to classrooms nationwide. The St. Jude Math-A-Thon is an educational fundraiser that encourages students to practice math skills while supporting the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®: Finding cures. Saving children.®

Through this integration, educators can access a selection of interactive, movement-based activities designed to reinforce math concepts and celebrate student learning. Schools that choose to participate may also engage in optional fundraising to benefit St. Jude, where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

As part of this initiative, St. Jude is featured on GoNoodle’s STEM Lab channel, where the Math-A-Thon activities are highlighted. The content combines math practice, movement, and reflection to support classroom engagement, particularly during the end-of-year period.

GoNoodle’s STEM Lab channel offers a variety of movement-based videos and activities aligned to math and science learning. By featuring Math-A-Thon resources within the channel, educators have an additional option for integrating high-energy academic content into the school day.

“GoNoodle is focused on helping classrooms stay active and engaged,” said KC Estenson, CEO of GoNoodle. “By hosting Math-A-Thon activities within our STEM Lab channel, we’re providing educators with another way to reinforce learning through movement while supporting a charitable cause.”

The Math-A-Thon activities available on GoNoodle are designed for kindergarten through fifth grade and include:

Movement-based brain breaks that reinforce math concepts”Classroom sprint” activities that encourage problem-solving and collaborationInteractive videos that help students reflect on what they’ve learned throughout the school year

Schools interested in deepening student engagement can also explore St. Jude at School programs, which offer age-appropriate opportunities for students to connect learning with service throughout the year. These programs are designed to be flexible and educator-led, helping schools integrate philanthropy into the classroom in meaningful and manageable ways.

By hosting Math-A-Thon activities on GoNoodle, schools have the option to:

Reinforce math instruction using movement-based contentCelebrate student learning at the end of the school yearParticipate in an optional fundraising program supporting children with serious illnesses

Educators can access the activities through GoNoodle’s STEM Lab channel, offering a simple way to incorporate movement and math into classrooms nationwide.

About GoNoodle
GoNoodle is a leading kids’ content platform that brings movement, music, and mindfulness into the classroom and family homes, engaging students while reinforcing curriculum. GoNoodle is in 83% of U.S. Public Elementary schools, providing over 2 million teachers and 25 million unique students and families with content that inspires and entertains. For more information, visit gonoodle.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/math-in-motion-gonoodle-hosts-st-jude-math-a-thon-activities-to-support-classroom-learning-and-charity-302754570.html

SOURCE GoNoodle

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VaynerX Launches Tamara Group: The Attention, Media, And Relevance Agency

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14 minutes ago

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April 27, 2026

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The latest VaynerX company, Tamara Group, is named in tribute to Gary Vaynerchuk’s mother, Tamara Vaynerchuk.

NEW YORK, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VaynerX today announced the launch of Tamara Group, The Attention, Media, And Relevance Agency, debuting with key clients including Ulta Beauty, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, method and PetSmart. Tamara Group is built to provide modern agency services that help brands navigate the fast-paced attention economy.

Named in honor of VaynerX Chairman Gary Vaynerchuk’s mother, Tamara, the company represents the next evolution of the VaynerX ecosystem. Tamara Group unites elite talent from leading publishers, advertising agencies, and fashion and beauty sectors, bringing together the sharpest minds under one roof.

With a rich history and expertise of the editorial industry, the agency brings together its publisher DNA and expertise in creative strategy, social content, influencer campaigns, and event activations. By combining media instincts with top-tier agency execution, Tamara Group helps brands build cultural relevance at the speed of the feed.

This unique blend of expertise has resulted in winning new business and expanded partnerships with legacy clients.

“Modern marketing requires the right balance of bold creativity and data-driven precision to build meaningful connections with guests,” said Kelly Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer at Ulta Beauty. “Tamara Group’s relevance-focused and social-first approach helps us engage our communities in ways that feel more personal, meaningful and authentic. They are an important partner in helping us show up with impact across the moments and spaces that matter most.”

VaynerX Chairman Gary Vaynerchuk adds, “Launching this agency is deeply personal for me. It’s a direct tribute to my mom who empowered me and built the foundation of who I am today. As the third agency in the VaynerX ecosystem, her name fittingly serves as our exact blueprint: The Attention, Media, And Relevance Agency. This is a massive next step for us, and I’m thrilled to officially launch it today with my team and our incredible client partners.”

Tamara Group is led by Ryan Harwood, a seasoned executive serving dual roles as CEO of Tamara Group and CEO of Gallery Media Group, VaynerX’s modern publishing arm.

“With the official launch of Tamara Group, we are setting out to build modern brands and unlock true relevance. We’re on a growth trajectory, and I’m honored to be leading this team that brings such rich expertise in social, creative, media, and strategy,” said Harwood. “Together, we are bridging the gap between publishing instincts and agency execution to set a new standard for how brands win in a social-first world.”

For more information and updates on Tamara Group please visit tamaragroup.com.

About Tamara Group (The Attention, Media, And Relevance Agency): Born from editorial, influencer, and experiential roots, Tamara Group is built to drive growth and disruption through the power of attention and cultural relevance.

Media contact: comms@vaynerx.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vaynerx-launches-tamara-group-the-attention-media-and-relevance-agency-302754653.html

SOURCE VaynerX

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CVS Health Wins Gold in Enterprise AI, and Silver in Customer Experience AI at 2026 Stevie® (American Business Awards®) for Enterprise Scale AI Innovation

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15 minutes ago

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April 27, 2026

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Recognition Highlights Industry Leading, Production Grade AI Transforming Healthcare Operations and Customer Experience

WOONSOCKET, R.I., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) announced it has been named a Gold winner in Enterprise AI and Silver in Customer Experience AI categories at the 2026 Stevie® Awards (American Business Awards®), one of the most prestigious and rigorously judged business awards programs in the United States. The American Business Awards AI categories recognize production‑grade AI systems operating at enterprise scale, evaluated by independent expert judges.

CVS Health earned Gold for its Predictive Modeling, Clinical Authorization & Claims Orchestration work, and Silver in AI for Customer Experience for its Agentic Twins work. 

“These awards are a recognition of the industry-leading ways we are deploying enterprise‑scale, responsible AI that delivers real‑world impact — improving efficiency, strengthening trust, and enhancing experiences for millions of patients, customers and members,” said Tilak Mandadi, EVP, Ventures and Chief Experience and Technology Officer at CVS Health.

Independent judges praised CVS Health’s Gold‑winning enterprise AI platform, noting:

“CVS Health demonstrates groundbreaking innovation by combining AI‑driven automation with enterprise‑scale healthcare operations. CVS redefines efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility — setting a new standard for patient care, provider support, and operational excellence.””Exceptional work driving tangible financial and operational ROI at scale.””The development of its systems using Agentic AI architecture seems to have shown impressive results and reduced a lot of time and effort. Well-deserved nomination.”

Independent judges highlighted both innovation and ethical leadership in the Silver-winning Agentic-Twins powered Predictive CX engine, noting:

“This case stands out not only for how it differentiates itself from other CX approaches in healthcare, but especially for its ethical use of consent‑based patient data to train LLM models and deliver more accurate, personalized CX solutions.””A groundbreaking and ethically responsible application of agentic AI… enabling safe, rapid optimization of patient experiences without exposing individuals to untested interventions.””This is pure brilliance. Your approach is clearly a path to truly solving a critical industry challenge.”

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

About the American Business Awards®
The American Business Awards® are the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations — public and private, for‑profit and nonprofit, large and small.

Media contact
Ethan Slavin
860-273-6095
SlavinE@CVSHealth.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-wins-gold-in-enterprise-ai-and-silver-in-customer-experience-ai-at-2026-stevie-american-business-awards-for-enterprise-scale-ai-innovation-302754519.html

SOURCE CVS Health

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