With a 41 year history in public education, Anthony (Tony) Ortega is in his 3rd year as a member of Great Minds in STEM’s Board of Directors. A dedicated former teacher, coach, and school principal, Mr. Ortega has carried his passion for helping students succeed in life, to his current role as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Football Foundation’s (NFF), Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Chapter. The foundation is a non-profit, volunteer organization that works to inspire youth to compete in the academic and athletic arenas, and encourages and promotes campus leadership, community service and high school football as an integral and wholesome component of the school curriculum.

A California native, Mr. Ortega retired in June 2011 as the Assistant Superintendent of Business for the El Monte Union High School District, where he was responsible for all fiscal aspects of the District including budget development. He continues to be an active member of the community. He was a former member of the El Monte/South El Monte Rotary Club and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Alhambra Behavior Hospital.

Mr. Ortega earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education as well as a Minor in Social Science from Whittier College, followed by a Master of Science degree in Secondary School Administration from California State University at Fullerton. Mr. Ortega was honored with the CIF Southern Section’s Lifetime Achievement Award and was a Life Pass Recipient in 2013.