The board of directors of The Immokalee Foundation has appointed long-time foundation employee Noemi Perez as the organization’s executive director effective July 1, 2018.

Steven Kissinger, who has served as the foundation’s executive director since 2014, will assume the position of vice president of Take Stock in Children of Florida on July 1.

Perez, who was raised in Immokalee, has worked for The Immokalee Foundation for nine years and currently serves as the foundation’s program services director.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Hodges University, Perez chose to use her knowledge and experience to serve her community through The Immokalee Foundation’s programs and services.

“As a lifelong Immokalee resident, Noemi brings a unique and important perspective to our work that will serve the foundation in meaningful ways,” said Joyce Hagen, chair of The Immokalee Foundation’s board of directors. “We appreciate the substantial advancements made under Steven’s leadership and look forward to our next chapter in creating pathways to success for the youth of Immokalee with Noemi at the helm.”

Perez will lead the foundation following several years of successful growth and solid financial health. The organization also has achieved the coveted 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

Perez is member of the Hodges University Alumni Advisory Board, Immokalee Chamber of Commerce, Immokalee Technical College Advisory Board, and The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Leadership Collier Foundation Alumni Association. She completed the Growing Associates in Naples (GAIN) program in 2016, the same year she was honored by Gulfshore Business magazine as a 40 Under 40 professional.

The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, becoming a mentor, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.