PUSD Hires Replacement For Retiring Foundation Director

Administrators of the Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation announced in January the hiring of Paul Kirchgraber as its executive director. He replaces Tami Phillips, who has been with the foundation for more than two years. Kirchgraber was most recently executive director of the Yavapai College Foundation for 10 years and has more than 25 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. 
“We are excited to have Paul joining our team. Now more than ever it is important to marshal our resources and attract more funds to support our schools, teachers and students,” said Jenna James, foundation board president.
Phillips, 63, said she and her husband are moving to Knoxville, Tennessee to be near family. She came to the foundation after three decades in Los Angeles as a nonprofit leader. She transformed the foundation from a small organization that prior to her arrival had raised about $300,000 to this past year’s record of an estimated $1 million, said James. 
Phillips’ goals included rewarding teachers for innovating creative programming for students, and 20 teachers received grants. She also encouraged funding field trips, supplies and technological opportunities. 
Recent efforts included assisting the foundation in finding funds to support youngsters in need of computers and other technological devices to participate in online programs. PUSD Superintendent Joe Howard said of Phillips and her contributions: “What a heartbreak. We felt so fortunate to have Tami come and to have someone of that caliber with that type of experience. She made it happen.”