Parkland's Education Foundation Board of Directors recently appointed Kris Siessmayer as its first executive director.

Siessmayer, a Parkland graduate, studied communications and English at the University of Pennsylvania.

She was hired to help the organization grow, start an alumni association and establish an annual giving campaign.

Siessmayer began her career in fundraising as a development associate at the Rodale Institute and was promoted to a senior development officer and director of development.

She then moved to Rodale's for-profit book publishing division as an associate marketing manager before being promoted to product marketing director.

Siessmayer then co-founded Slipstream Group LLC, a market research consulting firm specializing in translating data into business opportunities.

"Kris' background, skills and overall personality will complement the Parkland Foundation very well," Buddy Lesavoy, president of the Parkland Education Foundation stated. "She is extremely knowledgeable and possesses strong communication skills.

"We look forward to her leadership in the coming year as we strive to grow the foundation beyond $200,000 in annual gifts."