Walla Walla, WA – August 27, 2024 – Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region (CISBM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie DePonty as its new Executive Director, effective July 22, 2024. DePonty brings a wealth of experience in higher education leadership, community development, and a strong commitment to student success.
DePonty joins CISBM after her impactful tenure with the Blue Zones Project Walla Walla Valley, where she played a vital role in community engagement and public health initiatives. Her extensive experience also includes leadership positions at Whitman College, where she led teams within the Conferences, Events, and Scheduling department, and the Admission Operations team. DePonty’s deep connection to the Walla Walla community is evident through her volunteer work and board memberships, including her recent service on the Community Council Board and Visit Walla Walla.
“I have been a partner with CIS for the past three years and served as an advisory board member, where I saw firsthand the tremendous impact our advocates and team members have on the lives of students and families in our valley,” said DePonty. “The growing needs of our students and families are immense, and it takes many partners working together to support them. I love that CISBM is one of those partners helping students stay in school and thrive in life.”
“I’m proud of the collaborative efforts of our team, school district partners and community members that have gotten Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region to where it is today. I am excited to see Katie DePonty bring her experience to lead the next chapter of the organization,” – Ruben Alvarado, former Executive Director of Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region.
In her new role as Executive Director, DePonty is eager to deepen the engagement and impact of support for students and families in the Walla Walla Valley. Her vision includes expanding efforts within Walla Walla Public Schools, Milton-Freewater School District, and College Place Public Schools. A key focus for DePonty will be to increase the visibility of CISBM’s work, ensuring that more community members are aware of the organization’s essential role in supporting local students.
One of DePonty’s first initiatives as Executive Director will be the launch of a truancy specialist position, aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism in four Walla Walla schools over the next three years. This initiative will focus on removing systemic barriers for students and families, working closely with district officials to foster a more supportive educational environment.
DePonty’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for CISBM, and the organization looks forward to the continued growth and development of its programs under her guidance.
For more information, please contact:
Katie DePonty, Executive Director
Communities In Schools of Blue Mountain
katied@cisbluemountain.org
(909) 213-7313
More About Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is a national organization that ensures every student—regardless of who they are, their ability, zip code, or socioeconomic background—has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly inside more than 3,000 schools across the country, we connect students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. Together, we build a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations.