Kathleen Wakefield Joins Staff
CSF Office Team Excels in Nonprofit Expertise
 
January 3, 2008, CORONADO – Kathleen Wakefield, with a Masters in Voluntary (nonprofit) Management from the London School of Economics, has joined the staff of the Coronado Schools Foundation as Development Coordinator.

Prior to earning her MA, Wakefield worked as a teacher with an undergraduate degree from Villanova so she brings both areas of expertise to the Foundation where she will manage the two major events as well as develop a volunteer recognition program.  With three children at Village Elementary, she has inside track knowledge on the workings of Coronado’s public schools, the recipients of funds generated through the nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization, and looks forward to working with staff, board members, volunteers and business supporters.  “I have anticipated returning to the work force for some time.  When I saw this position advertised, I was compelled to apply and am elated I was chosen for the job,” said Wakefield.

“When I reviewed Kathleen’s resume, she had all of the qualities I envisioned the perfect candidate to possess.  She has not only the skill set but brings a great combination of energy, fundraising experience, and management skills to this crucial role in our organization,” said CSF Executive Director Patty Cowan.  “She will be instrumental in our efforts to grow the supplemental funding that is essential to the continued excellence of our community’s public schools.”  

“I was amazed that we were so fortunate to find another individual here in our community with this unique level of expertise.  Patty earned her MA in Nonprofit Management from the University of San Diego in May and all of us on the board are well aware of how the Foundation has benefited from her expertise,” said Jeffrey Kob, CSF President.  “Hiring Kathleen truly adds depth to our organization which will benefit CSF fundraising efforts and the financial return to our schools in the long run,” he added.

Cowan was recruited by former CSF Executive Director Laura Deitrick who also graduated from the USD MA Nonprofit program and now holds the position of Doctoral Research Associate at USD’s Caster Family Center for Nonprofit Management.  Deitrick explained, “In San Diego, we are fortunate to have a leading educational institution that confers both a Masters and PhD in Nonprofit Management.  Many nonprofit managers have a heart and a passion for the mission of the work that they do, however, very few receive the comprehensive training needed to successfully manage these complicated and vital organizations.  For CSF to boast two employees with advanced nonprofit degrees working on behalf of our schools, our children, and our entire community.is outstanding and almost unheard of in the field.” commented Deitrick.

I’m excited to be a part of such an established, respected and important organization so close to home,” added Kathleen.   “With children in the schools, it has become clear to me that the Foundation’s cause is deeply felt at the school sites and supported within the parent and greater Coronado community as well.    That makes a position like this particularly rewarding.”    

With the CSF Telethon on March 12th in the new CHS Theatre, please call the Foundation today if you are interested in a business partnership or in volunteering the day or night of the event.  Call 437-8059, ext 1, or visit www.csfkids.org for more information.    

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