Cornell Atwater Named Executive Director

We are pleased to announce Cornell Atwater as Executive Director of the Issaquah Schools Foundation.  Since February, Cornell has been serving as Acting Executive Director and for the past three years on the  Board of Trustees as Vice Chair of Resource Development.  Cornell shares, “I’ve gained valuable insight to the innerworkings of the Foundation and witnessed firsthand the countless hours of work and energy the Foundation staff, volunteers, and Board puts forth in serving students, parents, staff, and the entire Issaquah School District community.  I am ready to lead the Foundation and will continue to strive to make a difference for our community.”

Cornell brings significant strategic, operational and organizational development experience that comes at a needed time with the rapidly changing landscape for educational Foundations.  The Foundation strives to meet the educational funding gap for all students in every school within the Issaquah School District.  Cornell further shares, “I am thrilled to continue working closely and in collaboration with Ron Thiele and the Issaquah School District, the Issaquah School Board, PTSA, businesses and our community partners to provide our students with an exceptional educational experience.  We have a changing demographic in our area and we need to be sensitive, responsive and agile to support our student needs and prepare them to be future ready.”

As a business person and community leader, Cornell also served in a variety of leadership roles, including LearningRx Executive Director,  Issaquah Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Chair, and as President-Elect for the Rotary Club of Issaquah.   Over the past 20 years, she has held leadership and Board positions for several for profit and non-profit organizations, demonstrating her longstanding commitment to ensure every child has an opportunity to unlock their potential.

“I am thrilled to have Cornell take on the very exciting role as Executive Director at Issaquah Schools Foundation. Cornell brings invaluable experience, strategic vision and great leadership to the organization. I am confident that she will make a significant impact to our community with her passion for education, strong purpose and great connection to the community.” stated Cloe Zeng, Issaquah Schools Foundation Board Co-President

"Cornell’s leadership is steering the foundation to the next level.  We are so thrilled to have her in this position. Her ability to lead and motivate both staff and volunteers is amazing. Cornell‘s background in education and  coaching students and families along with her connections in the community have perfectly positioned her for this role. We are excited to see the impact she makes to help all of the students in the district" shares Sara Miller, Issaquah Schools Foundation Board Co-President

Together, we will continue to drive resources to help create limitless opportunities that inspire our students on their personal path to success students.

To every child’s success,

Cloe Zeng, Co-President     Sara Miller, Co-President