FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/10/2016
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – First Graduate, whose mission is to help students become the first in their families to graduate from college, is transitioning its Executive Director of eight years, Thomas Ahn. Ahn, who served as Program Director prior to taking on the organization’s lead role, will become Executive Director of the California MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement) Program, a STEM-focused college and career success program serving over 25,000 students across the state. He begins his new duties on December 1.
Ahn stated, “I have often said that educating our young people is the ultimate team sport. The challenges and opportunities are great, the rewards immeasurable, and everyone, from students to staff to supporters from all walks of life, has an important role to play. I am truly grateful to have been granted the opportunity to serve as the leader of this team. I look forward to playing my new role as vocal cheerleader and supporter as First Graduate® builds on its success.”
Terri Forman, who has served as First Graduate’s Director of Development for the past five years, will take on the role of Interim Executive Director during a 6-month transition phase, during which the Board of Directors will conduct a thorough search for a new Executive Director for First Graduate. The search is being co-chaired by First Graduate® Board President Dave Marsey (Chief Growth Officer, North America for DigitasLBI), and Vice President Sherry Archer (Archer Consulting).
Marsey commented, ““On behalf of our founder Ann-Eve Hazen, Board of Directors, First Graduate® staff, students, and parents I thank Tom for his many contributions and wish him continued success. The appointment of Terri as Interim Executive Director was a unanimous decision by the board and she has our trust and confidence. We have big plans to continue growing First Graduate® and we thank our donors and volunteers or their continued support.”
Forman’s career has included consulting, as well as working in lead development and marketing communications roles for MentorNet, The Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Anti-Defamation League, Congregation Emanu-El, and United Way Bay Area. “I’m humbled and honored to serve as Interim Executive Director and will ensure a purposeful transition. We have a strong team of smart, dedicated professionals who are driven to make lives better for our students, our future, and San Francisco.”
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Loren Crippin
Development & Marketing Associate
lcrippin@firstgraduate.org
Terri Forman
Interim Executive Director
tforman@firstgraduate.org
Founded in 2001, First Graduate® currently helps 453 San Francisco-based students in middle school, high school and college with the academic coaching, high school guidance, tutoring, mentoring, career exploration, college counseling and support they need to become first generation college graduates. 100 percent of First Graduate’s high school seniors have enrolled in colleges and universities nationwide and four cohorts of students have successfully earned their college degrees and are either pursuing careers in their chosen fields or are enrolled in graduate school. Learn more at www.firstgraduate.org.
