The Education Foundation of Indian River County has announced that local nonprofit innovator, Jennifer Croom, began her new role as interim executive director. Croom will serve the foundation during the next several months in this capacity, as the board of directors conducts a nationwide search to fill the position permanently.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to be the bridge for the Education Foundation during this time,” Croom said. “Having worked with the foundation extensively in my role with Moonshot Community Action Network, I know how crucial their role is in supporting the students of Indian River County in their pursuit of academic success. I am deeply passionate about every child starting off ready to learn in kindergarten, and I believe strongly that children should be supported every step along their educational journey until launching into the world upon graduation from high school.”
Since relocating to Vero Beach from Orlando in 2005, Croom has worked and volunteered for several academic organizations. Most recently, she worked with The Learning Alliance, where she was a catalyst for development of the Moonshot Community Action Network; a consortium of agencies, philanthropists and the school district that supports early literacy initiatives. She also led several education summits, was a pioneer of what is now the Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative, and acted as a liaison to the National Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
While in Orlando, Croom worked for Quest, Inc., a nonprofit which helps individuals with developmental disabilities achieve independence. While there, she held roles in human resources and grant writing, while focusing on Quest Kids, a program that provides affordable services for children with autism.
“The Education Foundation funds critical programs such as STEP into Kindergarten, Vision for Reading, the Sneaker Exchange, High Impact Grants and the Science and Engineering Fair,” Croom said. “I understand the value of all of these programs, and I am so impressed with the dedication of the board of directors who put children first as they guide the direction of the foundation.”
Board President, Pat Blackburn said, “We are thrilled Mrs. Croom is so passionate about education. Her experience and diligence will be invaluable as we continue to serve students and teachers during this time of transition.”
Croom has a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in international business. She and her husband have a son in college and a daughter in high school.
For more information about the Education Foundation of Indian River County, please visit edfoundationirc.org.