New EPSF Executive Director Selected

“The Edmond Public Schools Board of Directors is excited to welcome Deanna Boston to our organization.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and nonprofit experience that will benefit the board and in turn Edmond Public Schools.  “Deanna is passionate about public education and looks forward to building partnerships with members of the Edmond community.  We all realize that our school district is an integral part of our community – with Deanna on board, we hope to build and grow the impact the Edmond Public Schools Foundation will have on our faculty and student body!” 
- Cole Stanley, Edmond Public Schools Foundation Board President.

 
Dear Friends of Edmond,

I remember my teacher in 7th grade, Mrs. Randall, who recognized my interest in photography.  Not only did she recruit me for the yearbook, she made sure we had the equipment and supplies we needed to develop the photos in the darkroom (obviously before digital photography).  Although I am not a professional photographer, I still have that passion for photography today, but even more, I remember how she took an interest in me and helped me develop self-esteem and work ethic.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln

Teachers help lead our children towards their future. It is only right that we provide teachers with the tools they need to lead and inspire our Edmond Public School students as they create the path to their futures, develop self-esteem and establish work ethic.

I am passionate about education and I feel privileged to utilize my nonprofit experience in the community I have called home for fourteen years. My story about how we landed in Edmond is not unique.  When moving back to the metro from Tulsa, my husband and I knew we wanted to live in Edmond because of the excellent schools and supportive community. My son attends Edmond Public Schools and will be a freshman next year. I have worked closely with his teachers throughout the years to get the supplies they needed, including writing grants to corporations to fund STEAM projects. I am honored to have the opportunity to do the same for all of the teachers in Edmond Public Schools.

I am excited to work with each of you as EPSF works to connect the community and its resources with Edmond Public Schools.  My first day was last Friday, where I attended the Hall of Fame event.  It was inspiring to meet so many people who support our schools and truly want to make a difference.  

The next big event that will bring support to our schools is the Red Day Run.  You can find more information below and register at this link.

To all of you I have met so far, thank you for welcoming me!  

Deanna Boston

Professional Biography

Deanna has twenty years experience as a professional in the nonprofit sector and has worked as an Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Community Relations Director and consultant.

Deanna has a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has additional nonprofit training from numerous institutions including the University of Pennsylvania, Lilly School of Philanthropy and BoardSource. She is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, an honor society dedicated to service to others and a graduate of Leadership Tulsa. When working on her master’s degree, her research on telephone solicitations laws in all fifty states led to changes in Oklahoma nonprofit laws through the Oklahoma Charitable Solicitations Act.

As Executive Director and COO of Revitalize T-Town, she worked with the board to establish policies and procedures, helped grow the staff from one to seven employees and managed hundreds of volunteers. She helped lead Revitalize T-Town to 2351% growth in revenue over 17 years, which resulted in a 1108% increase in low-income homeowners living in safe and healthy homes. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, she managed several special events, as well as initiated and managed a weekly news series, “Kelly’s Kids,” on KWTV in Oklahoma City, which strategically targeted recruiting big brothers for boys who had waited over a year for a match.

She has shared her nonprofit knowledge and passion as a consultant in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Alabama and Washington D.C., where she used her skills in Organizational Analysis, Advancing the Small Nonprofit Organization, Grant Readiness and Research, Planning and Writing Successful Proposals, Board Roles and Responsibilities, Strategic Planning, Outcome Measurement, Public Relations, Special Events and Volunteerism.