MANCHESTER, N.H. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — May 13, 2013 — FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, today announced the appointment of two long-time FIRST supporters, Sheri McCoy and Bob Tuttle, as Co-Chairs of the Board of Directors for the international organization. They succeed Mr. Walt Havenstein, whose term has ended after three years of notable service.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) appoints Sheri S. McCoy, Chief Executive Officer of Avon Products and long-time FIRST supporter, as Co-Chair of the not-for-profit organization's Board of Directors. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are extremely fortunate to have the Board led by two people with proven executive experience,” said Dean Kamen, FIRST Founder. “Sheri and Bob are great leaders, passionate about doing the right thing for FIRST, and excellent examples of the career opportunities that await kids when they start out with an engineering and scientific background.”

Ms. McCoy is the Chief Executive Officer of Avon Products (NYSE: AVP), a leading global beauty company and one of the world’s largest direct selling companies. Prior to joining Avon in 2012, McCoy had a 30-year career at Johnson & Johnson, where, in her final role, she served as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, responsible for the Pharmaceutical and Consumer business segments. McCoy is a scientist by training. She started her career in research and development and holds four U.S. patents. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in textile chemistry from University of Massachusetts, a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University, and an MBA from Rutgers University. McCoy has been involved with FIRST for over 15 years, initially as a Mentor and Sponsor for several FIRST teams in New Jersey. She has served six years on the FIRST Board of Directors, including three years as Chair of the Development Committee.

“I am very excited to continue my work with FIRST, including the Board, staff, and extended community,” remarked McCoy. “Over the last 20+ years, FIRST has taken the essence of ‘fun’, connected it with valuable learning skills, and then linked all of that to a passionate community of students and Mentors in ways that have had an enormous impact. I look forward to continuing and guiding the next generation of innovative FIRST learning.”

Tuttle is a General Partner of 1848 Associates, a commercial real estate development partnership, and the Executive Vice President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation. DEKA develops new products, primarily for major medical product companies. Previously, he served for over 20 years in several executive positions in the aerospace industry, including CEO and CFO roles. Tuttle began his career as an aerospace engineer. He has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering/operations research from Cornell University and an MBA in finance from Cornell University. Tuttle has been involved with FIRST for over 20 years, most recently serving as Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the Board.

“I have seen FIRST grow over the years from a small group of student teams with wooden robots in New Hampshire to an international organization serving more than 300,000 students with over 120,000 Volunteers,” said Tuttle. “I am proud to have been a part of that growth, and will continue to help drive the strategy of FIRST to ‘transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated, and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders’ – our vision since the beginning.”

About FIRST^®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $16 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC^® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC^® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST^® LEGO^® League (FLL^® ) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST^® LEGO^® League (Jr.FLL^®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism^® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

FIRST and the FIRST logo are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology ( FIRST ). LEGO is a registered trademark of the LEGO Group.