Following an extensive search process, the Stillwater Public Education Foundation (SPEF) Board is excited to announce its next Executive Director Emily Lewis. Her appointment began May 9 following Board approval.
Emily joins SPEF with a background in business management, public relations, marketing and event planning. She previously worked for Community Health Systems in Arkansas and Texas in various healthcare administration roles and has served in volunteer roles in her local Parent Teacher Associations and on-campus organizations at OSU. Emily is a Northwest Arkansas native and proud Oklahoma State University alumnae. She graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s of science in Marketing and holds an MBA from John Brown University. Emily lives in Stillwater with her husband, Paul, and three young sons.
In addressing her new role Emily shared, “I’m looking forward to serving the Stillwater community and getting to know the board, Stillwater Public Schools educators and staff and help them reach aspirational goals for our school district. Stillwater is a special place. Our community has such a passion for high quality education and giving back to our school district. Together, we will elevate the work of SPEF and expand our mission and impact within the community. Growing up in a small community in Arkansas, I saw first-hand the impact nonprofits can have on local families. Throughout my whole life, my parents have given me an excellent example of service and dedication to non-profit work. Their service paved a legacy of investing in their community which helped Northwest Arkansas thrive. As my hometown grew and needs evolved and were more abundant, they found ways to connect people and fill the gaps. I hope to follow in their footsteps by increasing the support and awareness needed to fill the funding gaps in our state and provide innovative and creative programs, equipment and opportunities that otherwise would not be available to the students and educators of SPS.”
After three years of exceptional service to SPEF, Executive Director Ashlee Robertson is stepping down from her position following completion of Emily’s training and onboarding on May 31. SPEF extends our deepest appreciation to Ashlee and her dedicated service these past few years. Her advocacy for the teachers and students of Stillwater Public Schools has made a tremendous impact in our school district. During her time leading the board, Ashlee has raised more than $375,000 in funds for Stillwater Public Schools and launched new programs including fundraising initiatives for special education services, teacher appreciation and an upcoming membership program.
Stillwater Public Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to building strong community connections and support for Stillwater Public Schools. Since its inception in 1984, SPEF has given more than $1.8 Million to Stillwater Public Schools to fund special initiatives and enhance learning opportunities to all SPS students.
