The Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) is proud to announce that Shannon Darby has been named its new Executive Director.

Shannon brings a deep passion for education and a longstanding commitment to the Leander community. She previously served as LEEF’s Development Director and most recently stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. Prior to joining staff, Shannon dedicated eight years of service on the LEEF Board of Directors.

Her involvement in Leander Independent School District spans more than a decade, including six years working in the front office at Mason Elementary School, where she also served as PTO President. Shannon is a graduate of both the Cedar Park Chamber Leadership program and Leadership Leander ISD, further demonstrating her dedication to this amazing community.

Before relocating to Cedar Park, Shannon served for seven years as Development Director for Make-A-Wish of the Gulf Coast and Louisiana and was co-owner of a business and family photography company in The Woodlands. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Sam Houston State University.

“Shannon’s unwavering dedication to our schools and her deep-rooted connection to the Leander community make her the ideal leader for LEEF,” said Tara, LeDay, Incoming President of the LEEF Board of Directors. “Her passion, experience, and collaborative spirit have already made a tremendous impact, and we are confident that under her guidance, LEEF will continue to grow and make a meaningful difference for students, educators, and families across Leander ISD.”

Shannon has been married for 23 years and is the proud mother of two sons, one a sophomore studying sports broadcast production at the University of North Texas, and the other a sophomore at Leander High School. Most recently, she was honored with the Best Community Hugger Award from Hill Country Community Ministries, if that tells you anything about her warm personality and overall excitement for serving her community. 

LEEF is excited for the energy, heart, and vision Shannon brings as she leads the foundation into its next chapter successfully raising funds and fostering connections to enrich the educational experience across Leander ISD.