DETROIT – (September 5, 2012) – The Detroit Public Schools Foundation announces its President and CEO since 2009, Chacona Johnson, is leaving the Foundation at the end of September for a new position as Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts at Wayne State University and Executive Vice President of the Wayne State University Foundation. The DPS Foundation also announces the appointment of respected educator and community leader Glenda Price, Ph.D. as its new President, effective October 1, 2012.
Since Johnson’s hiring in 2009, the DPS Foundation has grown in every respect. It has raised more than $3.8 million in pledges and donations, and has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants for the benefit of thousands of students. In 2011 the Foundation expanded its mission to include DPS charter schools and former DPS schools that are part of the Educational Achievement Authority, and now employs a full-time staff of five professionals. The Foundation raises, manages and stewards funds to support a wide range of programs inside and outside of the classroom, including programs in early childhood education, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and fine and performing arts.
“I have enjoyed the past three years with the DPS Foundation and will always be proud of what we have accomplished. But I could not pass up this once-in-a-career opportunity to return to higher education at Wayne State, a place where I have a strong family connection and the opportunity to continue to work on advancing education in Detroit,” said Johnson. “I will remain passionate about the Foundation, its mission, and supporting the students of Detroit.”
Dr. Price has extensive leadership experience, serving as a board member for several organizations, including the DPS Foundation. She was previously President of Marygrove College in Detroit, and is currently a member of the City of Detroit’s Financial Advisory Board. “As President, I look forward to working with the DPS Foundation’s outstanding staff to continue the work Chacona started, building relationships with the business and philanthropic communities, alumni, and other individuals to support programs for Detroit students.”
“We know the entire community will thank Chacona for her leadership in growing the DPS Foundation as an important philanthropic institution in Detroit,” said Leroy C. Richie, Chair of the DPS Foundation Board. “I cannot imagine anyone more qualified to succeed Chacona as President than Glenda Price, and I look forward to working with her to increase the resources of the Foundation to benefit the students of Detroit.”
About Detroit Public Schools Foundation
The Detroit Public Schools Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising, managing and stewarding funds and other resources to support value-added programs and activities for the benefit of the Detroit Public Schools, DPS-authorized charter schools, DPS schools placed in the Education Achievement Authority, and their respective students. Detroit Public Schools Foundation operates independently of the Detroit Public Schools. For more information, visit detroitpsfoundation.org.
