Paul has been a passionate supporter of public schools since 2000, when his then 6-year-old son began kindergarten. He joined the board of the Bellevue Schools Foundation that year and subsequently served in various capacities over 9 years, including Board President. Through his involvement, Paul came to understand the profound benefits that private philanthropy can have on the lives of students. He is excited by the unlimited opportunities the Kent Schools Foundation has in partnership with the Kent School District and our community. Paul is currently serving as Board President.
Paul resides within the district’s boundary, where his wife is a teacher at Glenridge Elementary. He is a Vice President with HomeStreet Bank. Three of their children are successful public school and college graduates. The fourth will attend Gonzaga University this fall. Paul and his wife, Ann, are thankful for the education they and their children have received and firmly believe every child should have the same access, encouragement and support.
Steve and his family have been living in the Kent area for over 20 years. During that time, Steve and his wife, Heather, have had great experiences with the Kent School District. Heather was an employee from 1995-2001, their eldest daughter, Ireland, graduated from Kentridge High School in 2017, and their younger daughter, Sienna, will be graduating in 2020. Witnessing the fantastic education and commitment to diversity that KSD has provided his daughters, Steve felt compelled to give back by joining the Kent Schools Foundation.
Steve is a Sales Director for Comcast Business and has been with the company for over 15 years. His passion at work is to coach, lead, and inspire his teams and his hope is to bring that same passion to Kent Schools Foundation. Steve and his wife have been active members of their local school PTSA organizations since 2004. Steve has a firm belief that every child can succeed when given opportunities to grow with support from their family and community.
Colleen was born in Seattle and raised in Kent attending Scenic Hill Elementary, Kent Junior High and Kent-Meridian High School. She went on to work in the Technology industry for twelve years and then eventually went into the family business of selling Real Estate. She is a Buyer’s agent on the Rosie Rourke Team with John L. Scott Kent North office. When Colleen isn’t out selling real estate or spending time with her family she’s active in the community participating on the Kent Chamber Workforce/Education and Events committees and other events throughout the community. She feels strongly that every child should have the tools and resources they need to be successful both in education and life. She officially joined the Foundation’s Board in February 2018 and was elected the Treasurer.
Alan has two children in the Kent School District who have attended East Hill and Neely O'Brien Elementary Schools, Mill Creek Middle School, and now Kent-Meridian High School. Alan is active supporting the music programs at Kent-Meridian High School. As a former educator who continues to support education professionals in Kent, Alan has always stayed focused on the importance of public education for the empowerment of young people and the inclusive attitude that is necessary for a thriving community.
Alan was a founding member of the Kent Schools Foundation because of a strong belief that the funding sources available in the educational system have never been enough to provide in the areas where the needs are greatest. Programs that provide enrichment and success in one part of the community should have support in an equitable manner.
Hira is 10 years+ resident of Kent. His two kids are getting quality education in Kent School District schools. He is passionate about making sure Kent’s kids and families have the tools necessary to succeed.
Also serving as Board member at following local organizations:
- Kent YouthandFamilyServices
- Khalsa Gurmat Center
- Kent YMCA
- Kent Sunrise Rotary club
- Volunteer teacher at Punjabi school, which teaches children computer literacy, music education, language and leadership development.
Passionate about education and diversity, Melissa has more than 19 years of experience in communications, marketing and public relations. Melissa joined Kent School District in January 2018 after serving for more than six years as a lead communicator for the largest educational service district in Washington state advocating for student success, equitable access to high-quality instruction and amplifying teacher voice at Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD).
In Kent School District, Melissa leads the development and implementation of the District’s communication, media and public affairs strategy in alignment with the board approved strategic plan. Reporting to the superintendent, as a member of Executive Cabinet Melissa works collaboratively with senior leadership to effectively communicate the district’s mission, vision and strategic priorities. Melissa is also an active member of Kent Sunrise Rotary Club, serves on the Washington Schools Public Relations Association Board and is a trained Action Collab facilitator by the Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education in San Francisco. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in applied sociology/social work from Seattle University and earned a master’s degree in communication and leadership studies from Gonzaga University.
