Austin, TX, October 16, 2008 – The Eanes Education Foundation (EEF) announced today that Kirsten Johnson, a 20-year veteran of non-profit work, will lead the Foundation as its new Executive Director.

            “I’m thrilled to be here,” said Johnson. “The District and Foundation clearly have so many outstanding qualities. I believe EEF is becoming a national model for enhancing education in public school districts.”

            Johnson previously worked at the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Fine Arts as Director of Development for major gifts and corporate relations. Prior to UT, she spent three years in Peru at the International Potato Center, where she helped scientists and directors secure revenue to support research on critical subsistence-level farming in developing countries. Before that, Johnson resided in Minnesota and worked thirteen years in senior development positions at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, St. John’s University in Collegeville and College of St. Catherine’s in St. Paul. She also served as Director of Development at Justin-Siena High School in Napa, California. In those educational settings, she built development programs for both capital and annual campaigns, and cultivated relations with a wide donor audience including new donors, alumni, corporate donors and major donors.

            Dr. Nola Wellman, Superintendent of Eanes ISD, welcomed Johnson to the district. “We are fortunate to have someone with Ms. Johnson’s expertise and enthusiasm to lead the Eanes Education Foundation,” Wellman said.  “Her experience in a variety of organizations will position her to guide the continued growth of EEF with a broad, fresh perspective. The support of the Foundation is vital to the district and this is a critical leadership role.”

            Johnson replaces Kaye Kelley, district parent and interim Executive Director, who has led the Foundation since March, when former Executive Director Lori Bolding moved to a development position at UT. Kelley will continue work at EEF in a part-time capacity, resuming her previous development duties.

            “We are fortunate that Kaye will be here to provide continuity, especially on our Annual Giving Campaign in the fall and Gala event in the spring,” said Paul Trahan, President of the EEF Board of Directors.  “With a professional of Kirsten’s caliber at the helm and Kaye’s continue insight and management of our key initiatives, we really have the best of both worlds. And – something key for our constituents to know – we have been able to take this next step while keeping our expenses at or below acceptable norms for the non-profit industry.”

            The Foundation’s Annual Giving Campaign is in full swing, with parent volunteers actively seeking support and donations to help fund additional teachers for all nine Eanes ISD campuses for the next school year.   The goal is to raise $1 million to fund 20 teaching positions across the district’s schools. Kelley remarked, “All of our volunteers are passionate about our community and especially about the quality of our schools. It’s a pleasure to work with such dedicated volunteers and EEF staff members. We know we’re making a difference in the daily lives of the children in this community.”

            Todd Smith, a high school parent and new EEF Board member spoke at length with Johnson recently.   “I think Kirsten will continue the vibrancy at EEF, but add a new perspective and even more energy. We’re not going to miss a beat in our efforts to support our schools.”