Kinder Foundation names directors of parks and civic projects and education
Houston, Texas (PRWEB) January 11, 2016 -- “As a foundation, we are focusing more effectively on our key areas of giving and have brought in two of the best in their respective fields,” said Nancy Kinder, president of the Kinder Foundation. “Guy and Duncan have had a profound impact on greenspace and education initiatives and we are excited about broadening those efforts in the greater Houston community and beyond.”
As Director of Parks and Civic Projects, Guy Hagstette will continue the foundation’s support for Houston’s parks and developing greenspaces as community focal points. Most recently, he has been working as a consultant to the foundation and Houston Parks Board advising on the $220 million Bayou Greenways 2020 project and, in late 2015, completing oversight of $54 million in improvements to the 162-acre Buffalo Bayou Park for the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Prior to that he was president and park director of Discovery Green where he led the design, construction, and operation of the $125 million, 12-acre downtown park. He served as special assistant for urban design to Mayor Bill White and also as director of planning and development for Central Houston, Inc. where, over 12 years, he helped shape downtown’s residential renaissance. Through his design firm, Team HOU, he was responsible for the design and implementation of the $20 million Sesquicentennial Park in downtown’s Theater District from 1986 to its completion in 1998. Hagstette holds a bachelor of architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and master’s degree in architecture in urban design from Harvard University.
As Director of Education, Duncan F. Klussmann Ed.D will help guide the foundation’s efforts in supporting educational initiatives in the Greater Houston region. Most recently, Klussmann served as superintendent of schools for Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) and prior to that as interim superintendent and area superintendent. His vast experience includes periods as a school principal and assistant principal, as well as a classroom teacher. During his 11-year tenure, the school district passed the largest bond program in the history of the school district. The $597 million program replaced 13 aging elementary schools, renovated all remaining campuses, provided for new school buses, enhanced athletics facilities, and greatly expanded technology use in the school district. He helped create the SKY Partnership, a one-of-a-kind partnership joining together SBISD with KIPP Houston and YES Prep Public Schools at two district middle schools and one high school where new campus program charters now operate. He also led the development and implementation of T-2-4, a single-focused goal of doubling the number of SBISD students completing some form of higher education. Klussmann holds a BBA in finance and international business from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a doctorate in education from Seton Hall University.
Both Hagstette and Klussmann are based in Houston in the Foundation’s new offices at San Felipe Place, 2229 San Felipe, Suite 1700.
About the Kinder Foundation
The Kinder Foundation, a family foundation established in 1997 by Rich and Nancy Kinder of Houston, Texas, and provides transformational grants that impact urban green space, education, and quality of life. More at kinderfoundation.org.
Claudia Morlan, Elmore Public Relations, http://www.kinderfoundation.org, +1 (832) 725-6884, [email protected]
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