SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Junior Achievement of South Texas (JAST) announced today that Linda Rimer, President, will be retiring after nearly 30 years of exemplary service with Junior Achievement. JAST is also announcing that her successor will be Tony Rock, who will begin with JA on August 13. Rimer will be assisting with transitional duties for the first few months of Rock’s tenure.
Rimer began her career with JA in 1989, as the Vice President of Marketing with JA of Dallas. In 1991, Rimer joined JA of South Texas as President. Then in 2000, she took on the role of Regional Vice President for the southern region of the United States. Beginning in 2002, Rimer became Senior Vice President of Organizational Leadership for JA Worldwide, a position she held until 2003. She then took over the role of President for Junior Achievement of the Bay Area in San Francisco. Rimer held that position until 2005, when she became President for Asia Pacific and the Americas Regions until 2013.
She returned to South Texas in 2014. Under Rimer’s leadership, JAST has been recognized for the past four years by JA USA with the “Star Award.” This award is designed to honor and recognize the staffs and boards that meet Junior Achievement USA’s operational standards and continue to succeed in advancing JA’s mission. Additionally, the number of students reached in the JA program increased by 20 percent during her tenure. Rimer also increased major funding by 33 percent and individual giving by 229 percent.
“Linda has dedicated much of her career to Junior Achievement, and what a distinguished career it has been,” says Junior Achievement of South Texas Board Chairman Craig Boyan. “Her invaluable leadership has helped to move this organization forward on all levels.”
Tony Rock is an accomplished leader with an impressive military career spanning 35 years. Before retiring in December 2017, Rock served as The Inspector General of the U.S. Air Force. Prior to this, he was Chief of the Office of U.S. Defense Representative - Pakistan. Rock also held assignments at the Joint Warfighting Center, Air Combat Command, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Forces Iraq, the Air Staff, and the Joint Staff. He received his wings and served as a T-37 and F-15C instructor pilot and flight examiner.
Rock grew up in San Antonio where he graduated from Churchill High School. He is excited to return and have the opportunity to give back to the city he loves. In his military career, Rock saw the importance of young men and women learning life skills such as financial literacy and the impact it could have on a young person’s future. He has dedicated himself to helping them prepare for life challenges and he’s thrilled to lead the Junior Achievement organization of South Texas.
“We are looking forward to Tony leading the organization into the future,” says Boyan. “He understands that the positive impact Junior Achievement has on the children in our community is immeasurable. And, with his executive and leadership experience, we know that he will be able to continue and build on the legacy and momentum achieved by Linda and the JA Staff.”
Rock graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He received a Master of Science in Aviation Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from Air War College.
About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. JA brings economic education programming to students throughout south Texas by pairing community volunteers with professional educators.