CEF names new managing director and events coordinator

Last fall, the Collierville Education Foundation board of directors named Terri O’Connor its managing director. Additionally, the nonprofit organization named Diane Douglas, former executive director and 11-year supporter of CEF, events coordinator.

“Terri has first-hand knowledge of all CEF functions, making her the ideal candidate to occupy this critical position,” said CEF board president, Chuck Lesnick. “She and Diane have been integral in CEF’s growth and successes and will provide strategic guidance as we move toward an exciting future.”

Filling the roles of managing director and events coordinator marked one of the first steps in CEF’s strategic plan for growth, which aims to fine-tune the organization’s operations and structure.

“I am eager to step into this role and serve our foundation in this capacity, after serving the CEF board for nearly 20 years,” O’Connor said. “I am optimistic about the future of this organization.”

In her new role as managing director, O’Connor will oversee the coordination of the granting program, budget, organizational structure and procedures, policy implementation and long-range planning. She will also oversee the organization’s event coordinator and will serve as a liaison to town elected officials, town staff, Collierville Schools’ superintendent and school staff. Douglas will execute popular community events in her role as events coordinator. She will work closely alongside O’Connor and the board of directors.

O’Connor joined CEF as a board member in 2001 and has served as the organization’s finance administrator since 2015. She also served as a board member, president, executive committee member and treasurer. O’Connor brings a history of service to the Collierville community, having previously served on town committees such as The Town of Collierville Environment Commission, The Town of Collierville Design Review Board and The Town of Collierville Beer Board. Additionally, O’Connor has previously served as a member of Collierville’s America in Bloom Committee, a co-chair of the Mulberry Festival’s entertainment committee, Main Street Collierville Downtown Diplomat and a graduate of Leadership Collierville. In 2012, O’Connor was the recipient of the prestigious C.H. Harrell Award. Along with her husband Peter, O’Connor has been a proud Collierville resident for over 20 years and has three daughters who graduated from Collierville High School.

Congratulations to both Terri and Diane! CEF is thrilled to have you on board.