Katie DePonty is the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region (CISBM), a role she assumed in July 2024. With a robust background in higher education leadership and community development, Katie is deeply committed to student success. Before joining CISBM, she played a pivotal role at the Blue Zones Project Walla Walla Valley, focusing on community engagement and public health initiatives. Her leadership experience also extends to Whitman College, where she led teams in the Conferences, Events, and Scheduling department, as well as the Admission Operations team.
Katie moved to Walla Walla over 18 years ago and quickly called the valley home. She enjoys experiencing all that the community has to offer. An avid fan of local sports teams (Go Sweets!), she loves exploring the outdoors with her friends and family and volunteering with local organizations such as Walla Walla Little League and Visit Walla Walla.
Her strong ties to the Walla Walla community are further evident through her volunteer work and board memberships, including her involvement with the Community Council Board and Visit Walla Walla. Katie’s dedication to CISBM is longstanding; she has been a partner for the past three years, serving on the advisory board and witnessing the organization’s profound impact on students and families in the valley.
As Executive Director, Katie is passionate about expanding CISBM’s efforts within local school districts, increasing the visibility of the organization’s essential work, and deepening the engagement and impact of support for students and families in the Walla Walla Valley. Her leadership will steer CISBM into an exciting new chapter, beginning with the launch of a truancy specialist position to address chronic absenteeism in four Walla Walla schools over the next three years.