Q&A: Coleen Brighton retires after a decade at Leander Educational Excellence Foundation  

Coleen Brighton: “I’ve learned for the Education Foundation to make the biggest impact for its students and teachers it must have a strong partnership with its district. Without alignment and partnership there is lack of information being shared — it’s hard to know the biggest need for students.  I’m very grateful for the partnership between LEEF and LISD and our alignment on funding priorities and access to resources — and together we had a lot of fun.” 

Leander Educational Excellence Foundation granting Leander ISD Fine Arts Department $20,000 at Festival of Bands 20204.

How long have you been with Leander Educational Excellence Foundation and how long as the LEEF director? 

My LEEF journey started in 2015 when my friend and neighbor & LEEF’s first Executive Director, Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia, asked for my help in launching LEEF’s first Gala. I’ve loved every part of my 10-year journey at LEEF and it’s been a privilege to learn and work alongside some incredible people. In 2017 I became LEEF’s second-ever staff member –part-time Director of Development and Operations– where I launched LEEF’s grant writing program. In early 2023, I stepped into the full-time Executive Director role and dove headfirst into the growth, challenges, and opportunities needed to continue serving Leander ISD students and staff.

Why are you leaving? 

My retirement from LEEF has been part of the plan, and with a fully staffed team, an engaged Board of Directors, and a strong partnership with the District, it felt like the perfect time to step away and let new leadership bring fresh ideas. Plus, Scott and I have officially mastered the art of being empty nesters now that our kids are settled on the East Coast. So, it’s time for us – and the dog – to pack our bags and finally put our “travel wish list” to the test. We may come back speaking a new language…or an expert in art history.

What changes did you bring to the organization? 

Nonprofits often juggle big goals with small teams, and LEEF was no exception. When I stepped in as Executive Director, I focused on 3 changes:

1.    Deepening relationships with District leadership to better understand its funding gaps and how LEEF can fill them.

2.    Building a more deeply engaged Board to feel confident and capable of representing LEEF in the community. 

3.    Transforming LEEF’s revenue mix from over reliance on events to more reliable and sustainable income, including individual and recurring donors and growing existing corporate partners. Events are the 

What impact did you bring to LEEF under your leadership?   

I brought commitment to serve, transparency through storytelling and continuity to LEEF during my tenure, including stepping in twice when asked by the Board in 2018 and 2022 to serve as Interim Director.  I’ve always been a fierce advocate to make sure teachers and students have what is needed in the classroom and this requires a willingness to try new ideas.  Creating and building strong community partnerships over the years has been a huge part of my success in making an impact at LEEF.

The impact was not mine alone but the work of an incredible LEEF team, district staff, Board of Directors and many individual and business partners. Together these past 3 years we’ve achieved:

1.    A 25% increase in annual revenue

2.    Nearly $500,000 in awarded grant funds for mental health, special education, literacy & teacher professional development at Leander ISD

3.    Increased community partnerships by 48%

4. A strategic plan led by a fully-engaged Board of Directors

Coleen Brighton: “I love everything about this photo from the bravery of 3 counselors willing to try something different to improve education for their students and writing a LEEF grant. LEEF awarded the funds and ACCESS was launched in 2021 at Vandegrift and Glenn HS. Student interest grew over the years and LEEF funding enabled the Program to serve more students at 4 high schools. ACCESS was focused on providing opportunities and possibilities for students to thrive in an inclusive and supportive learning environment and this shows one of the groups visiting a college.”