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Kristie Kenney, former Fort Valley State University (FVSU) administrator, has been appointed as executive director of the Jackson State Foundation.
“My staff and co-workers have been phenomenal and extremely helpful in my transition. They have afforded me with access to all the latest and most vital information pertaining to my position.” Kenney says, “The president has specified his presidential priorities and I do know that the board stands ready to serve and assist. At this particular time, there are a lot of business transactions that are taking place so that we can position ourselves to be exactly what we are—the foundation for Jackson State University.”
Prior to joining Jackson State, Kenney managed foundation relations and operations, donor services, annual fund, stewardship, and a foundation budget that exceeded $50 million in assets.
Kenney’s accomplishments at FVSU include increasing Foundation giving by 30 percent within four years; overseeing the public private venture bond sale which garnered an excess of $1.2 million in revenue; and serving as a member of the university’s strategic planning committee.
As a community leader in the areas of entrepreneurship and education, Kenney founded Peach Academy Kids, Inc., a non-profit organization providing supplemental education and enrichment activities for elementary age children in Peach county.
The Fort Valley native is also the creator of Jazz in the Valley, a music festival assembling more than 400 melody lovers in the spirit of cultural awareness and fundraising.
She is currently enrolled in the Executive Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education program at Jackson State University. Kenney earned her master’s degree from Purdue University Global in Higher Education – College Administration and Leadership. She also has a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University in agricultural business.
Kenney is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Trinity Baptist Church in Fort Valley. She is married to Kareem and together they have a vibrant daughter, Kaylen.