Oren to lead Community Education Coalition, Burnett stepping into executive vice-chairman role

Kathy Oren

The Community Education Coalition (CEC) has announced that Executive Director Kathy Oren will take over as president and CEO of the organization in January, with current President and CEO John Burnett moving to a part-time role as executive vice chairman.

“I can’t thank the CEC Executive Committee, the Board, and John Burnett enough for this incredible opportunity,” Oren said in a statement. “John Burnett is a transformational leader on so many levels. It has been a true privilege to work with John, to learn from him, and to be part of this impactful organization. I’m honored and excited to serve the CEC into the future.”

Oren joined the CEC in 2013. In her new role, she will be responsible for managing the operations of the entire coalition, including strategy, financial services, human resources, and community engagement alongside the 11 partner organizations the CEC serves.

“Kathy Oren will do a fantastic job as leader of CEC,” said Burnett. “We’ve been working with the executive committee on this transition for the last few years. Kathy’s leadership skills and her principle-centered approach since joining CEC 10 years ago have helped make CEC what it is today.”

Burnett has been president and CEO of the coalition since 2008 and previously held the role from 1999 to 2005 as well. As executive vice chairman, he will focus on the “key strategic sustainability work” of the CEC and its partnerships while also advising at CivicLab.

In discussing his reasons for moving to part-time, Burnett said that he’s “built a great team” at the coalition and that it’s time to implement the succession plan that was developed.

“It’s the right time,” he said. “And on a personal note, my wife retired from school teaching, a BCSC school teacher 38 years, two years now. And we have two granddaughters that want to spend some time with us.”

CEC Chairman Srikanth Padmanabhan thanked Burnett for his guidance, servant leadership and many years of work with the coalition. He said Oren has served the community for nearly 10 years as executive director, and that she would do a fantastic job as president and CEO.

Burnett said that he’s excited for Oren, the coalition and the community.

“CEC is a noteworthy, yet unexpected, example of private business stepping up to support our public education partners as they seek to improve the learning system with a focus on equity for all students,” Burnett said. “Our partnership has raised and leveraged millions of dollars in support of the learning system and workforce system. I know Kathy will carry on that tradition,” he said.