Waukesha Education Foundation hires executive director
Lynnette Kalmadge has accepted the role of Executive Director of the Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. (WEF) and will represent the organization beginning in March. The position will be responsible for building relationships throughout the Waukesha area, further developing organizational goals and initiatives with the support of WEF’s board of directors, and increasing awareness for the innovative programming in the School District of Waukesha.
“I am excited to be joining the Waukesha Education Foundation as the new Executive Director,” Kalmadge said. “I am honored to work alongside our dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that has worked hard to provide supplemental funding to the many fantastic educators in the School District of Waukesha. These educators are driving innovation and learning, and WEF helps bring their projects to life and positively impact student experiences.”
As a parent of two students of the School District of Waukesha, Kalmadge has seen first-hand the effect educators have on students when they are supported by the local community. Her involvement with the school district includes: parent focus groups, the Superintendent Advisory Council, president of the Parent Teacher Association, fundraising and finance leadership for the Waukesha STEM schools, Booster Club leadership roles, special event planning, and more.
To Gene Shoemaker, president of WEF, Kalmadge brings the perfect blend of district involvement and professional experience to grow the organization even further.
“Lynnette's dedication, passion, and volunteer leadership within the schools her two children have attended makes her perfectly suited for the Executive Director position,” explained Shoemaker. “As WEF continues to grow, her past management and community experience will ensure WEF transitions to the next level.”
Kalmadge has lived in Waukesha for the past twenty years with her husband Kyle and their two children, Aaron and Allie. Prior to this, her previous roles included management roles for staffing organizations and community outreach. She graduated from St. Norbert College with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.
“When I look at our students, I see our future workforce and community leaders,” Kalmadge‌ added. “It’s crucial that we develop partnerships with businesses and community organizations that want to collaborate with our schools and help develop this future workforce to reach its fullest potential. I am looking forward to this challenge and welcome area business leaders to contact me at any time to begin that dialogue.”
WEF raises funds through community events and business sponsorships that are awarded as grants to educators in the School District of Waukesha. These grants allow educators to provide innovative programs and resources not normally funded within the operational budget of the school district.
Examples of past grants include: Realityworks GuideWELD virtual reality welding simulator for the Waukesha East Alternative school, supplies for the VEX Robotics program at Horning Middle School, and funds to participate in the Global Read Aloud Project that connects classes from around the world for Les Paul Middle School.
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About the Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc.
Since its inception, WEF has granted close to $230,000 to support projects and initiatives that directly benefit the students of the School District of Waukesha. Through fundraising efforts such as their annual WEF Golf Outing and WEF Walk/Run and Wellness Fair, WEF relies on donations from the community to further the educational experiences of Waukesha students. To learn more, please go to our website www.wef.waukesha.k12.wi.us .
For more information, contact:
Eric Huemmer
Waukesha Education Foundation
erichuemmer@gmail.com
608-438-3350