LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program Names New Vice President, Development To Lead Organization's Private Sector Fundraising

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program has named Barbara Racklin Bushnell as its new Vice President, Development. Ms. Bushnell is charged with reshaping the organization's strategy to raise critical funds for program support in an unprecedented economic climate.

Ms. Bushnell, a Certified Fund Raising Executive board member, has a fifteen-year history in successful nonprofit management, working with programmatic staff, developing fundraising programs and creating and implementing strategic plans.

"Barbara is not only a seasoned professional in fund development, but as a former school board member she is keenly aware of the critical importance of after school in public education reform. LA's BEST is gratified that she chose to work with us," said Carla Sanger, President & CEO of LA's BEST.

Ms. Bushnell's responsibilities will include working with the LA's BEST Board of Directors and fund development team to establish and implement a new, comprehensive fund development strategy. Prior to joining LA's BEST, Ms. Bushnell was President of the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles, where she served as a member of the Workforce Investment Board for the City of Los Angeles, representing the nonprofit community engaged in workforce literacy education.

"I could not imagine a better way to use my experience than to help keep 28,000 children in Los Angeles safe, educated and enriched after school. I look forward to working with LA's BEST, an outstanding and innovative organization that I have long admired for making a difference in children's lives who need it the most," said Barbara Bushnell.

Previously, Ms. Bushnell was the Associate Vice President of Development at the Music Center, where she was responsible for the growth and management of major gifts, planned giving and capital campaigns and all donor communications. She also has served as the Development Director for the Pacific Southwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League and Chief Development Officer for the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross

As a leading nonprofit executive in Greater Los Angeles, Ms. Bushnell has engaged community leaders to break the cycle of illiteracy, raised funds for arts education in Los Angeles' underserved school populations, advocated for a more tolerant society and educated constituents in disaster preparedness. As a volunteer, Ms. Bushnell served four years as a member and President of the La Canada School District Governing Board (1997-2001) and Board Member and President of the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation, gaining a greater appreciation for public education issues. She is a current Board Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Los Angeles, serving as Secretary.

About LA's BEST:

LA's BEST -- Better Educated Students for Tomorrow -- is a nationally recognized after school education, enrichment and recreation program serving 28,000 children with the greatest needs and fewest resources throughout the City of Los Angeles. LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program provides a safe haven for children ages 5 to 12 at 180 elementary school sites each day during the critical hours after school -- at no cost to parents. Established in 1988, LA's BEST is a partnership including the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector. For more information, please visit www.lasbest.org.

SOURCE LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program