NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Kids, Inc. announced today that Evie Hantzopoulos has been named Executive Director of the organization, effective September 1, 2010. Ms. Hantzopoulos, who succeeds Founder Carole Artigiani, assumes this role after serving Global Kids for over 14 years. She has been Deputy Director and Director of Programs since 1998.
After successfully leading Global Kids for twenty-one years, Carole Artigiani will turn her attention to working with Ms. Hantzopoulos, the staff, and Board of Directors to realize the goals outlined in Global Kids' strategic plan. She will focus particular attention on exploring new programmatic possibilities, broadening the organization's donor base, and supporting the launch of Global Kids programs in Washington, DC – Global Kids' first site outside New York City.
"This is an exciting day and a great step for Global Kids," states Richard Roberts, Chair, Global Kids Board of Directors. "Evie has an extraordinary record of service at Global Kids, is deeply committed to the core values of the organization, and is a recognized leader in the City. Thanks to Carole's passion and long-term commitment to building organizational capacity, Global Kids has an extraordinarily strong management team ready to continue its vital work in preparing young people for academic and workplace success as well as informed and effective citizenship."
Before joining Global Kids in 1996, Evie Hantzopoulos worked for Aspira of New York's AmeriCorps Program and the Creative Arts Team. A community activist, she serves on Community Board 1 in Queens, is actively involved in her daughters' public schools, and has worked with neighbors and elected officials to address the proliferation of cellular antennas in residential communities as well as other issues of public concern. She was a Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Leadership Fellow and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
"It is a privilege to assume the role as Executive Director," says Ms. Hantzopoulos. "I am excited and energized to build on the strong foundation Carole has established, and, with my colleagues, look forward to deepening our impact, extending our reach, and pioneering innovative practices in youth development and global education."
"For 14 years, Evie has been coach, teacher, supervisor, organizer, fund-raiser, frequent spokesperson for Global Kids, and my good friend," Ms. Artigiani noted. "She is a remarkable leader – respected by all who know her. I am honored that Evie will succeed me as Executive Director."
Carole Artigiani founded Global Kids in 1989 and established it as a non-profit organization in 1991. Annually, the organization touches more than 17,000 youth and educators in NYC and hundreds of thousands of others around the world through its pioneering online educational programs. Each year, the 500-plus participants in its flagship Power of Citizenry Leadership Programs educate and inspire thousands of others to take action on local and global issues of concern to them. Global Kids will launch a pilot program at two Washington, D.C. public schools in fall 2010. Carole will remain on staff as Founder and Senior Advisor and will continue as a member of the Board of Directors.
About Global Kids – www.globalkids.org.
Global Kids, Inc. conducts a range of comprehensive youth development and global education programs in New York City, both during the school day and after school, that engage students in hands-on service learning and social action projects, enrichment activities, and leadership opportunities that promote global competency, academic success, personal growth and effective citizenship.
The Global Kids, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4850
CONTACT: Global Kids Sofia Oviedo 212-226-2116 sofia@globalkids.org Ned Wilbur 212-226-0130 ext. 128 ned@globalkids.org