South Saint Paul, MN: The South Saint Paul Educational Foundation (SSPEF) Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Beth Skwira as the organization’s next Executive Director. “We are delighted that Beth will be leading the Foundation,” noted Phillip Voight, chair of the search committee and SSPEF Board President. “She comes to us with a wealth of experience in fundraising and development, non-profit leadership, marketing, and communications. The search committee admired her passion, knowledge of the community, and commitment to our mission.” Beth Skwira will replace Cari Vujovich, who has led the foundation for the past 17 years and is retiring in June.
“I am thrilled to be joining the SSPEF and look forward to carrying on the legacy left behind by Cari and so many board members over time,” Skwira noted. “South St. Paul is a generous community that loves to care for its kids and help them achieve a bright future, and I am excited to help make that happen.”
Beth is currently the Director of Mission Advancement with Neighbors, Inc. and has been there since 2016, where she implements the annual mission advancement plan and leads the organization’s marketing, communications, events, and community outreach team.
She has more than 30 years of working in nonprofit social services organizations at many levels of programs, fundraising, and development areas. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communication from Concordia College, Moorhead. Beth and her husband Pete, have lived in the community since 1996 and have been volunteering as a part of multiple organizations during that time.
Skwira’s appointment is the culmination of an intense, five-month search process that attracted nearly seventy well-qualified candidates. “I think the interest in the position is a clear reflection of the great work that Cari Vujovich has done building the foundation over the years.” Voight noted, “During her tenure, nearly seven million dollars have been awarded to more than 3,532 South Saint Paul Public School students, and the Foundation’s assets have grown from three million dollars to more than ten million dollars.”
The South St. Paul Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1984 to provide an innovative source of funding to support the South St. Paul public school’s educational plan. Major initiatives include curriculum enrichment, scholarships, the district’s signature K-12 International Baccalaureate program, research opportunities, and staff and faculty training. Funds provided by the Foundation directly benefit students and enhance the district’s overall ability to deliver an outstanding education. Beth Skwira is expected to officially begin working at the foundation on June 15, 2022.
