Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

About Us

ABOUT

Fulfilling the needs of all LISD students and staff

LEEF-Staff
Great Nonprofits

LEEF enriches the educational experience for all students and staff of the Leander Independent School District.

Every student will be prepared for life after high school; whether they attend college, enter the workforce, or obtain technical training.

Our history

In 2007, a group of 12 Leander ISD volunteers recognized that state funds alone were not enough to provide the high-quality public education every child deserves. With $17,000 and a vision to improve education for all Leander ISD students and staff the Founders launched LEEF’s first program, innovative classroom grants for teachers.

Since its inception, LEEF has raised nearly $5 million through partnerships with businesses, families, community members and Leander ISD employees.

Today, LEEF is a vital resource for one of the largest public school districts in Central Texas, and has invested nearly $4 million directly into programs for Leander ISD students and staff.

Staff

Executive Director Opportunity

The Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead and advance our work in support of educational excellence across the Leander community.

As the chief executive of this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, oversee day-to-day operations, and serve as the primary ambassador of the Foundation. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader with a passion for education, strong fundraising and relationship-building skills, and the ability to translate vision into meaningful impact.

Key responsibilities include:

    • Advancing the Foundation’s mission, strategic goals, and long-term sustainability
    • Building and stewarding relationships with donors, partners, educators, and community leaders
    • Leading fundraising initiatives, grant efforts, and donor engagement strategies
    • Managing organizational operations, finances, and compliance in coordination with the Board of Directors
    • Supporting and empowering volunteers, committees, and stakeholders


The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission and values. This position plays a critical role in expanding the Foundation’s reach and impact while strengthening community trust and engagement.

We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about education, nonprofit leadership, and community impact to apply and help shape the future of educational excellence in Leander.

Shannon Darby About

Shannon Darby

Interim Executive Director

Crystal Smith About

Crystal Smith

Program Administrator

Board of Directors

LEEF’s Board of Directors is dedicated to advancing district-aligned goals for Leander ISD students and staff.

To ensure alignment with district initiatives, the board includes representatives from the Board of Trustees, a district educator, and the Superintendent.

Board members, nominated by the LEEF’s committee, typically have experience in nonprofit financial, advisory, or volunteer roles. Interested candidates can apply for review, with new members elected each June.

LEEF Bruce Gearing

Bruce Gearing, Ex Officio

LISD Superintendent

Nekosi Nelson, Ex Oficio

LISD School Board Trustee

Devin Williams

Devin Williamson, President

Raba Kistner

Tara LeDay

Tara LeDay, VP Development

Husch Blackwell

Jennifer Hayhurst, VP Finance

Ascension Seton Wiliams Foundation

Rhonda Bly

Rhonda Bly, Secretary

WITH.studio

Laura Balla

Cedar Park Regional Medical Center

Martin Cano

TRS

Denise Geiger

Leander ISD

Christy Diver

Facilities Resource, Inc.

Heidi Cisneros

Structures

Mike Vermeeren

Mike Vermeeren

Cushing Terrell

Joseph Alvarez

PBK Architects

Cara Owen

Community Member

Dinesh Salem-Natarajan

Community Member

Joshua Russell

The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts

Anne Duffy

Cedar Park City Council

Mohan Marchetty

UnitedHealth Group / Fruition Developments