The Houston ISD Foundation has selected Ann Best Scott as its new executive director to lead efforts to support districtwide and school-based programs that provide every student with a rigorous education.

Scott has worked with education-based nonprofits such as Raise Your Hand Texas as a vice president of board development and recruitment and with Teach for America as a senior vice president of education leadership. She previously worked at HISD as a chief human resources officer. She will begin this week in her new role at the foundation, which was most recently led by interim executive director and former HISD Chief of Staff Michele Pola.

“Ann brings a passion for education, and a strong commitment to ensure every HISD child receives a high quality education,” said Lori Vetters, HISD Foundation chair. “We are thrilled to have her as the new executive director of the foundation.”

The foundation, a 501c-3 nonprofit governed by a volunteer board of directors, works with the HISD Board of Education, district leadership and Houston’s business and philanthropic community to raise funds and support district goals. Since 2008, the foundation has raised more than $30 million for districtwide and school-based programs and initiatives aimed at increasing student academic achievement and eliminating the minority achievement gap, developing and retaining effective educators in every classroom, and ensuring students are prepared for success in college and the workforce.

“The foundation is a significant part of HISD because in addition to raising funds for the district, it also provides tremendous support to our educators, students and school communities,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Ken Huewitt. “We are excited to welcome a new director on board who has a background that we feel will benefit the district as a whole and our commitment to ensure the success of all our students and schools.”

Foundation programs include literacy, dropout prevention, scholarships, and Advanced Placement course expansion, and the foundation sponsors two major annual fundraising events in support of HISD: the State of the Schools luncheon in the spring and the HISD Golf Tournament in the fall.