Just half of all college-qualified students from low-income families enter a four-year college. Many lack role models with college degrees. (The Education Trust)

PRESS RELEASE - NEW CEO ANNOUNCED

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sue Coppa, Director of Communications
323-900-8740
scoppa@fulfillment.org

CAROLYN A. LEE, MHA TO HELM FULFILLMENT FUND TO HELP DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS ATTEND COLLEGE

(February 26, 2008) - The Fulfillment Fund Board of Governors is pleased to announce the selection of Carolyn Lee to succeed Andrea Cockrum as CEO of the Fulfillment Fund. Twelve months ago, Andrea announced her decision to step down from the position after twenty years of leadership, effective June 30, 2008. She will remain active on the Board of Governors.

Carolyn has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Fulfillment Fund for the past three years. In her role as COO, Ms. Lee oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fulfillment Fund and spearheads partnership initiatives. Two years ago, she led the Board of Governors through a strategic planning process that has transformed how the organization fulfills its mission.

“Carolyn is the perfect choice to assume the helm,” commented Ian McGregor, President of the Board of Governors and Vice President of McCann Erickson. “She has made a lifetime commitment to improving the quality of life for our citizens, first in health care, and now in providing access to college for disadvantaged students.”

Carolyn, who earned her Masters in Health Administration from Arizona State University, has almost thirty years of experience in non-profit management, having held numerous leadership and executive management positions in health care and community based organizations prior to joining the Fulfillment Fund in February 2005. She has extensive knowledge of leadership development, strategic planning, performance improvement, relationship building and community-based partnering.

This past year Carolyn served on Mayor Villaraigosa’s Education Advisory Council and the council’s Subcommittee on Strategic Alliances, working with public and private organizations to provide mentoring, tutoring and quality education to thousands of Los Angeles students. She presently serves on the Arches-Enlace Los Angeles Executive Advisory Board to improve student achievement through collaborative efforts.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead an organization with a long track record of success,” Carolyn has said. “It is also a great responsibility; we have a moral obligation to fulfill our mission. I am touched every day by the meaning of the work we do, and by our students’ courage and persistence in overcoming challenges. The staff of the Fulfillment Fund is not only highly-qualified, but also some of the most compassionate individuals I have ever worked with. I look forward to the opportunity to further guide this remarkable team.”

The Fulfillment Fund was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to providing economically disadvantaged students with the resources, tools and skills needed to graduate from high school and obtain an advanced education.  The Fulfillment Fund provides total enrichment through mentoring, classroom-based outreach, college counseling, college scholarships, internships, career counseling and a parent education component.  For more additional information about the organization and a comprehensive bio for Carolyn Lee, please visit  www.fulfillment.org.

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