Crystal Ramirez-Scanio, an experienced bilingual financial manager, will take over as Executive Director of the Irving Schools Foundation effective immediately, the Board of Directors announced today.
Ramirez-Scanio will take over for Mandy Hamilton-O’Neill, who accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer for Leukemia Texas after three years of service at Irving.
“Crystal is a strong leader with a unique blend of experience in sales, marketing and finance while displaying a strong passion for philanthropy and fundraising,” said Beth Bowman, President of the Irving Schools Foundation’s Board of Directors. “It’s just what we need to take us to the next level.”
Formerly with Merrill Lynch in Irving, Ramirez-Scanio spearheaded recruitment events and marketing campaigns while managing relationships with current and potential clients. Prior to that she was a top sales producer for AXA Advisors while serving on a number community organizations, including the Junior League of Arlington, the Greater Arlington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber.
“This allows me to follow my heart as well as my head,” said Ramirez-Scanio. “I love Irving and I want the foundation to serve more students with broader support from the community.”
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Southern Methodist University, Ramirez-Scanio brings a business perspective to the foundation. She was named by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of their “Top 25 Young Latino Leaders DFW” in 2012.
“With the severe budget cutbacks we face, we are more appreciative than ever for the contributions that our community makes to our teachers and students,” said Dr. Dana T. Bedden, superintendent of schools for Irving ISD. “We need to focus on funding items that have a direct impact on student achievement.”
The Irving Schools Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that has provided over two million dollars worth of scholarships and grants since 1985 through the help of community donations.
