HELIOS EDUCATION FOUNDATION BEGINS BUILDING
TEAM OF EDUCATION EXPERTS
Arizona Governor’s Advisor Tapped for Early Childhood Education Role
(Phoenix, AZ) – Helios Education Foundation announced today Karen J. Ortiz as the Foundation’s vice president and director of Arizona Early Childhood Education. Ortiz brings nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education including serving as a key advisor to Governor Janet Napolitano for the past four years.
“Helios Education Foundation is committed to building our expertise in the areas of Early Childhood Education, the Transition Years of Grades 5 -12 and Postsecondary Scholarships,” said Paul J. Luna, president of Helios Education Foundation. “Karen brings incredible academic and professional competence to the Foundation and will help guide the organization’s strategic partnerships and investments in this important area of education.”
Ortiz has served since 2003 as the director of the Arizona State School Readiness Board and an early childhood policy advisor to the Arizona Governor known for championing children’s issues. Her responsibilities included directing the creation of a statewide system of early childhood development, leading a statewide public-private leadership board and directing staff in the investment of state resources to advance early childhood education in Arizona. Ortiz, an adjunct faculty member with Central Arizona College, is near completion of her doctorate in Childhood Policy. Prior experience includes advocacy, research and education about early care and education issues with Children’s Action Alliance. In addition, Ortiz has been an elementary school nurse and substitute teacher.
“Helios Education Foundation will certainly be a leader in affecting the education issues facing Arizona and Florida,” commented Karen J. Ortiz. “I am proud to be part of an organization which truly cares about the success of students and the long-term impact of education on individuals and communities.”
Helios also hired Noel McClain in the position of human resources generalist. McClain is responsible for the organization’s human resource policies and procedures as well as assisting with the financial management of the Foundation. Her previous professional experience includes roles in both the private and public sectors, serving as a senior human resource consultant for the City of Surprise and senior human resource analyst for the City of Scottsdale. McClain earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Arizona and is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management.
Helios Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving Arizona and Florida with an endowment exceeding $600 million. The Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals by creating opportunities for success in postsecondary education. Since its inception in 2004, Helios has invested more than $25 million into education-related programs and initiatives. For more information, visit www.helios.org.