DeKalb Technical College Welcomes Foundation Trustee
At a recent meeting of the DeKalb Technical College Foundation, Inc. Mr. Valentino T. Bates was elected as the newest member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Bates, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, is the founder and President of KHAFRA Engineering Consultants, a full-service professional design and planning services firm headquartered in Atlanta. Since its inception in 1986, KHAFRA has grown from a staff of five to over 150 professionals with regional offices in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
(L-R) Mr. Joe Wilson, DTC Foundation Board Chair; Dr. Robin Hoffman, DTC President, Mr. Val Bates, DTC Trustee
“I am pleased to be associated with the DeKalb Technical College Foundation’s Board of Trustees,” stated Mr. Bates. “The Foundation’s involvement in assisting the College in its mission of meeting the workforce development needs of students and employers is very important to the future of our region’s growth and economy. I am very committed as a board member because the Operation and Maintenance Group within my firm has vast needs for the students graduating from DeKalb Technical College and other technical schools within the nation.”
In addition to leading KHAFRA in developing partnerships with entities responsible for site permits and capital development, Mr. Bates is active in endeavors with water and wastewater projects throughout the Southeastern United States, Maryland and Texas. He is also active in numerous professional organizations including the Water Environment Federation, the National Technical Association, the American Public Water Association, and Consulting Engineers Council. Mr. Bates’ civic involvement includes service on the Metropolitan Atlanta Private Industry Council, Fulton County Beat the Odds, the Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Atlanta Clean Water Program.
Dr. Robin Hoffman, President of DeKalb Technical College, was on-hand to welcome Mr. Bates to the Foundation Board. “We are indeed fortunate to have Val Bates among the trustees who give their time and expertise to insure that DeKalb Technical College remains on the right track in offering programs and services to business and individuals in the communities served by the College,” said Dr. Hoffman. “He brings a great deal of experience, energy and enthusiasm to the work currently being done by the College’s Foundation Board.”
The DeKalb Technical College Foundation, Inc. promotes the cause of postsecondary technical and adult education, helps support educational opportunities for the constituents of DeKalb Technical College, and acquires and administers funds devoted to the mission of DeKalb Technical College.
