SCFD Board Announces Hiring of New Executive Director

DENVER, OCTOBER 17, 2007 – The SCFD today announced the selection of Marjorie (Peg) Long as its new Executive Director. She will assume the position on November 5. Ms. Long was selected from a field of 3 finalists. She is currently serving as Vice President of Public Policy and Communications for the Charter League of Public Schools. According to Jim Harrington, SCFD Board Chairman, The Board is pleased to have someone with the background and experience which Peg brings to SCFD. Her legal background, nonprofit expertise, and experience with elected officials should prove invaluable as we execute the mission of SCFD. The selection of Ms. Long culminates a lengthy, thorough process involving approximately 100 candidates. SCFD was assisted in the search by Beale International, a Denver based Executive Search firm.

Peg Long succeeds Mary Ellen Williams, who left the SCFD Executive Director position on July 3rd. Karen Gerrity has served as Interim Executive Director over this interim period. Harrington said SCFD is indebted to Karen Gerrity for her tireless efforts on behalf of the District over these past 3 plus months. On behalf of all of the scientific and cultural organizations who are recipients of SCFD funds, we thank her for her leadership and steady hand throughout this transition period. Karen Gerrity will remain with SCFD as Deputy Executive Director a position she held prior to Ms. William’s departure. Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1¢ on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.

SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, exhibition, advancement or preservation of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.