The Warsaw Education Foundation (WEF) announced Executive Director Erin Serafino will resign from her position at the end of March.
The board of directors expressed its gratitude to Serafino for her dedication and service to the foundation, as well as her commitment to supporting the students and teachers of Warsaw Community Schools (WCS), according to a news release from WEF.
During her tenure, Serafino guided the foundation through the challenges of emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring WEF's continued support of educational initiatives. Under her leadership, the foundation modernized its outreach and fundraising efforts by launching an online version of its annual quiz bowl, developing a new website and donor management program, and introducing a streamlined giving portal. These efforts have strengthened the foundation's ability to serve WCS students and educators effectively, the release states.
"Serving as executive director of the Warsaw Education Foundation has been one of the highlights of my career. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together to support the students and teachers of Warsaw Community Schools. I am confident that the foundation will continue to thrive under dedicated leadership and the unwavering support of this wonderful community," Serafino said.
To ensure continuity, WEF Board Vice President Tom Westerhof will manage the foundation’s day-to-day operations. Westerhof will fulfill this capacity until a permanent replacement is named, with plans to have the executive director position filled before the start of the next WCS school year. He will be supported by the board's executive committee, which includes Andy Manes, board president; Joe Stanley, board treasurer; and Ruth Jones, board secretary.
WEF remains committed to enhancing educational opportunities for students and looks forward to continuing its mission with the leadership of its executive committee and the dedicated support of its board members, stated the release.