Public Education Foundation has selected Emily O’Donnell as the organization’s vice president for External Relations. Ms. O’Donnell will lead the nonprofit’s fundraising and communications strategies, and develop and expand partnerships to strengthen PEF’s efforts to transform public education so students succeed in learning and in life.
“We are delighted to welcome Emily to our staff,” said Dan Challener, president of PEF. “For the last seven years, she has worked as a highly respected attorney at Legal Aid of East Tennessee. I am very happy that Emily will bring her outstanding skills to Public Education Foundation and help us continue our efforts to increase student achievement and strengthen public schools.”
Ms. O’Donnell said, “I am deeply committed to PEF’s mission to improve student achievement. Strong public schools are vital to our community’s success and I look forward to building relationships with individuals, businesses, and organizations that share that belief.”
According to PEF Board Chair Jim Hill, “Emily’s strong relationship skills and enthusiasm for the cause of public education will make her a tremendous asset to PEF.”
Ms. O’Donnell earned a B.A. from Sewanee: The University of the South and a J.D. from the Georgia State University College of Law. She serves on the board of the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga and is a trustee for Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga. She and her husband Johnny live in Red Bank with their daughters Molly and Ellie.