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Denver Public Schools Foundation Names Alison Kolwaite as
Senior Director of Development

DENVER, Dec. 8, 2009 – The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation has named Alison Kolwaite as senior director of development, to lead the organization’s fundraising efforts for programs that drive student achievement in DPS.

Kolwaite brings to the DPS Foundation 15 years of experience, largely with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland. There, she most recently served as senior director of development, leading the daily operations of a $20 million annual fundraising effort. Previously she managed corporate and foundation relations and oversaw its public grants program.

Kolwaite began her career with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in their education program, where she oversaw an on-the-water environmental education program for middle and high school students and teachers. She served as lead instructor and facilitated relationships with the District of Columbia Public School System. She subsequently led a national education initiative on behalf of the foundation.

At the DPS Foundation, Kolwaite will head up fundraising efforts for the foundation’s main program areas: classroom support, principal leadership training, and after-school programs.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Alison’s depth of experience in fundraising and donor relations to lead our development efforts as we work to ensure that Denver’s students and schools have the resources they need, especially during this time of budget cutbacks to schools,” said Kristin Colon, president and CEO of the Denver Public Schools Foundation. “DPS is in the midst of critical reform efforts to improve student achievement and we are working right alongside them to drive community investment in these efforts.”

Kolwaite holds a master’s degree from American University in Washington D.C. and a bachelor’s degree from Smith College in Massachusetts. She is the parent of a DPS student.

About the Denver Public Schools Foundation
The DPS Foundation raises and manages funds in support of various programs that drive student achievement, including principal leadership development, resources for teachers and classrooms, and after-school tutoring and enrichment programs. Through strategic program investments and community leadership, we support Denver Public Schools in creating a district where outstanding educational achievements are the norm and all children have hope of a great future. For more information, visit www.dpsfoundation.org.

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Contact:

Denver Public Schools Foundation

Natalie Wilkins

Communications Director

nwilkins@dpsfoundation.org

720-423-3877