An independent, non-profit charitable group that supports schools in Waterloo has a new leader.

Emily Hanson has joined the Waterloo Schools Foundation as executive director. Her first day is today (Monday, June 8, 2015).

“We’re excited to welcome Emily aboard,” said Sally Hollis, president of the Waterloo Schools Foundation Board of Directors. “She brings a youthful enthusiasm, a passion for non-profits, and proven fundraising experience.”

Hanson graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in May 2015 with a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in non-profit management and administration.

While there she conducted extensive original research on donor motives, particularly focusing on e-Philanthropy and the role social networks play in attracting new donors.

“She has worked in both non-profit and academic settings,” said Hollis, “which is a plus for an education-focused foundation like ours.”

Hanson graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services, with an emphasis in non-profit administration. While at UNI, she also earned the nationally recognized Certified Non-profit Professional credential.

Hanson is certainly no stranger to non-profit work in the Cedar Valley.

While at UNI, she co-founded and served as executive director for the UNI Dance Marathon, which broke the national record for most money raised by a first-year dance marathon.

“My time as the leader changed my life, and led me to pursue a career where I could continue to make a difference,” Hanson said.

She also served as the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching program coordinator for the R.J. McElroy Trust in 2013 and a loaned executive for the Cedar Valley United Way from 2012-2013.

The Waterloo Schools Foundation is an independent, non-profit charitable organization that awards grants to teachers who wish to implement innovative programs that go beyond what tax dollars can provide.

In the past five years, the Waterloo Schools Foundation has raised more than $650,000 that has gone directly into the Waterloo Schools.

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