The McKinney Education Foundation is welcoming a new CEO this spring.
Karen Walker will serve as the next CEO of the McKinney Education Foundation, or MEF, according to an April 6 news release. CEO Sheila Due has served in the position since 2023 and will conclude her tenure May 15.
The specifics
Walker joins MEF from Anna ISD, where she served as director of communications and executive director of the Anna Education Foundation, the release states. Her experience also includes roles with Region 10 Education Service Center and leadership positions across Humble, Celina and Van Alstyne ISDs, per the release.
“Karen is a proven leader with a deep understanding of how to connect community, communication, and mission,” MEF board chair Mark Kever said in the release. “She brings the leadership and energy to build on MEF’s momentum and expand our impact for students and educators across McKinney ISD. We are confident in her leadership and excited for what lies ahead.”
Due will continue in a limited role as an ambassador and strategic advisor to the foundation, with a focus on fundraising and community engagement during MEF’s 35th anniversary year, the release states.
The context
MEF is a nonprofit organization that supports McKinney ISD through student scholarships and educational grants, and provides guidance counselors at each campus to help students with higher education decisions.
Since being founded in 1991, the foundation has awarded over 7,000 MISD students with scholarships totaling $10 million, according to previous reporting. In 2024, the foundation awarded $830,527 in scholarships, per the organization’s website.
One more thing
To make a financial contribution to MEF or for more information about scholarships and grants, visit www.mckinneyef.org.
