HOUSTON A+ BIDS FAREWELL
TO SUZANNE SUTHERLAND

March 31, 2008

Suzanne Sutherland, who has worked diligently with Houston A+ Challenge for the past three years as Program Director, Associate Director and Interim Executive Director, has announced her plans to retire, effective April 4.

Suzanne's hard work has advanced Houston A+ Challenge's mission and vision and she has been a dedicated staff member. In fact, this is Suzanne's second retirement -- she came to work for Houston A+ Challenge after completing 18 years as an educator in Houston ISD.

Suzanne became acquainted with Houston A+ as a member of the New Visions in Leadership Academy, and later as a coach for New Visions, while she was principal of Pin Oak Middle School.

After joining Houston A+ Challenge, Suzanne played a role in developing and sustaining many key programs, including the Reach Out to Dropouts Walk, the ExxonMobil Math Initiative, Teacher Externships, Reasoning Minds, National Board Certification of Teachers, Empowerment and International High Schools, NCAN's Preparing to Dream, and PEN's Give Kids Good Schools.

She has helped increase participation in the New Visions in Leadership Academy and Regional Senior Fellows (a network of senior district leaders), and as Interim Executive Director she was instrumental in developing and winning the grants to support both the Regional Principal Leadership Academy and the Rice MBA for Educational Entrepreneurs.  During the past three years, she also has helped Houston A+ Challenge partner with and stay connected to other local and state nonprofit partners.

"Though we will certainly miss Suzanne’s leadership at Houston A+, we wish Suzanne our best and hope to utilize her skills and support in the future," said Executive Director Scott Van Beck.  "It has been and will be people like Suzanne Sutherland who ensure that Houston A+ Challenge is an organization that is respected throughout the Houston regional community."