Center: California School of Podiatric Medicine Associate Dean and '93 alum, Dr. Eric Stamps, with CSPM '09 alums: (Clockwise) Drs. James Johnston, Christy King, and Nathan Higa.
The California Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine (CaFFE) is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] corporation established to provide scholarship money for podiatric students and financial support for endowed chairs – at accredited California podiatric medical schools.
The California Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine (nee: Foundation for Excellence) is over 30 years old.
A bit of history: the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) was started in 1982 at the California College Of Podiatric Medicine (CCPM) by a dedicated group: Dr. Tom Amberry, Heather Barton, Esq., Dr. Earl Cherniak, Dr. Dave Jacobson, Dr. Charlie Johnson, Dr.Cy Lane, Dr. Randy Sarte. These forward-looking individuals were intent on strengthening the profession by helping the podiatry students:
Under the direction of Dr. Mel Barton, our Treasurer, the initial funds were transferred to the Foundation from the Alumni Annual Giving Fund, the President’s Club Fund, the “Friends of the Library” Fund and several other minor restricted funds at CCPM. The FFE scholarship program began with five scholarships “named” in honor of:: Dr. Robert Barnes, Dr. Robert Brennan, Dr. Theodore Clarke, Dr. Robert Rutherford, and Dr. Ruth Wood.
Since 1982, the Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling $747,000.00. With the new funds added in 2011, the Foundation is now home to 79 scholarship funds totaling $1,047,356. In 2010, the name and bylaws were changed to CaFFE and the governing board enlarged to include three members from each of three organizations: the original FFE, the CSPM Alumni and Associates, and the California Podiatric Medical Association
Board of Directors 2011-2012
The nine CaFFE Board of Directors come from three different organizations. Three representatives come from the original FFE founders group, three representatives come from the CSPM Alumni & Associates group, and three representatives come from the CPMA. The three representatives from each group are selected by their individual organizations and the representatives serve a rotating three year term. Each year one representative from each organization leaves the CaFFE Board and one new representative from each organization joins the CaFFE Board.
The nine Board members of the CaFFE meet annually and elect the officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer) of the CaFFE. The officers of the CaFFE make up the executive committee of the CaFFE.
CPMA
Tracy Basso, DPM
Doug Robinson, DPM
Ernie Hook, DPM
A&A
Tom Sgarlato, DPM
Eric Hubbard, DPM
Douglas Taylor, DPM
FFE
John Pagliano, DPM
David Mullens, DPM
Randy Sarte, DPM
Member-at-Large
Mel Barton, DPM
Current Officers
Chair: David Mullens, DPM
Vice-Chair: Tracy Basso, DPM
Secretary: Douglass Taylor, DPM
Treasurer: Mel Barton, DPM
Asst Treasurer: Randy Sarte, DPM
Immediate Past Chair: Randy Sarte, DPM