LEADERSHIP/BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Square Foot Gardening Foundation
Founder and developer Mel Bartholomew’s legacy is to teach this unique, simple method of growing sustainably fresh organic produce. Square Foot Gardening is being continued through the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. The Square Foot Gardening method is currently being utilized nationally and in many countries around the world to help ease world hunger and it continues to gain in popularity.
Steve Bartholomew
President of the Board of Directors
After working in Advertising on Madison Ave., Steve had an opportunity to work alongside his dad producing and directing the highly regarded PBS hit television series “Square Foot Gardening.” That television series launched the best-selling garden book of all time “Square Foot Gardening,” a method of gardening, which is recognized throughout the world.
In 1988, Steve started his own advertising firm whose clientele included prestigious hospitals, and school districts in the New York Metropolitan area.
With Steve’s commitment to excellence along with his entrepreneurial spirit, it has enabled him to be a part of many community organizations. As a board member of South Huntington Educational Foundation (SHEF) for over 5 years, Steve was directly involved in creating successful educational programs throughout the district in conjunction with school boards. SHEF is an independent non-profit foundation committed to enriching and supplementing educational programs.
Steve’s life-long love for nature and gardening brings his prior experience full circle to preserve and continue the mission of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation.
Laura Bartholomew
Board Member
Laura has over 40 years experience in advertising and marketing. Starting her career at Grumman Aerospace Corporation, then in advertising and direct marketing corporations, she earned many awards over the course of her career.
Laura joined Steve in 1990 working and growing Bartholomew Associates Inc. Advertising and Public Relations. While raising four children, Laura managed the day-to-day operations of a growing agency, including the finances, Human Resources, maintaining clients and bringing in new business. Over the years, Steve and Laura saw their business increase to over 1 million dollars in annual billings.
Laura has always loved to cook and feed family and friends. Her love of cooking, nature, and gardening provided a platform for Laura to branch out to help serve those in the community who needed help the most, our senior citizens. Laura not only worked four years at a Senior Center, she has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for 10 years. The culmination of her prior experience, both corporate and at home, provides a perfect fit for the mission of Square Foot Gardening Foundation.
Charles Schevker
Board Member
Charles met Mel Bartholomew in 2012 in Southern California. As a real estate broker, he assisted Mel in a purchase of a property and they became friends. Charles deeply admired Mel for the passion and commitment Mel had to the cause of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation and Charles believed he could help Mel make a difference in the lives of others.
Born and raised in Maryland, Charles attended Loyola University and has a BA in Accounting. He maintains an active CPA license and worked for over 30 years in various advanced positions including Auditor and CFO/VP of finance for international companies.
As an avid world traveler, a grandfather, and his many years of corporate experience, Charles is an asset to the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. Charles is honored to be serving in Mel’s memory as a member of the Board of Directors.
