Contact: Sonja Semion
Phone: (718) 637-4827
Email: ssemion@stand.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2012 

Stand for Children Colorado Announces Paul Lhevine as Executive Director

(Denver)  The education advocacy group Stand for Children announced today that Paul Lhevine will be the new executive director for the Colorado office.

“We are thrilled that Paul will be leading Stand Colorado at this critical time,” said Kayla McGannon, Stand Colorado’s advocacy director and interim executive director. “As we head back to the legislature this January and continue to expand our work across Colorado, his leadership skills and experience will help us make an even greater impact for kids.”

Lhevine most recently served as chief operating officer for Mile High United Way. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer for the Democratic National Convention Host Committee in 2008 and worked for more than two decades on political campaigns, including managing John Hickenlooper’s successful bid for Denver mayor in 2003 and Congresswoman Diana DeGette’s re-election in 2002. Read Lhevine’s full bio online.

“In all of my years working on behalf of Coloradans, I’ve found that strong communities are built upon many factors, but none offer as important a foundation as good public schools,” said Lhevine. “I look forward to helping Stand continue to build an engaged community of parents, teachers, and elected officials who are dedicated to providing Colorado’s children with the quality public education they deserve.”

Lhevine’s first day at Stand will be January 9. He will oversee all operations of the state office, including continued organizing in Denver, Adams 50 (Westminster), and Aurora school districts; fundraising; advocacy; and the organization’s forthcoming endorsements for the 2012 elections.

About Stand for Children Colorado

Stand for Children’s mission is to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, graduate from high school prepared for, and with access to, a college education. To make that happen, Stand educates and empowers parents, teachers, and community members to demand excellent schools; advocates for effective local, state and national education policies and investments; and elects courageous leaders who will stand up for our priorities. For more information, and to see our newly redesigned website, visit www.stand.org/co.  

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