DoDEA

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — June 13, 2008 — The Department of Defense Education Activity has named Kathy Facon as the new Chief of Educational Partnerships Branch for the organization. In her new position, Facon will be responsible for leading the branch in efforts to establish networks, processes and protocols to increase joint service initiatives, communication, and awareness surrounding quality education opportunities for military children. The team will also encourage collaboration and sharing of best practices and provide support to military-connected school systems throughout the nation.

"We chose Kathy to lead the Educational Partnerships Branch because of her strong ties to the services and her in-depth knowledge of the needs of military children," said Dr. Shirley Miles, Associate Director for Education and Principal Deputy Director for DoDEA. "The work of Educational Partnerships is very important and Kathy's commitment to that work will serve our military families well."

Prior to her selection as Chief, Facon worked as the Chief, Installations and Communities for the Educational Partnerships Branch within DoDEA. She served as a liaison to military service representatives and DoD components to develop, monitor, and facilitate policy enhancements, programs and understandings that positively impact military children's education and well-being with a special emphasis on ensuring seamless transitions and deployment support.

"My professional career has centered around service to military families-especially children," said Facon. "I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the foundation that has been laid in the Partnership program and I will continue to work toward our mission to promote quality education and seamless transitions for military students."

"I believe it's both an honor and an obligation to serve the families of those who so courageously defend and protect our country," she said.

Over the past 18 years, Facon served in military child and youth programs as a Child Development Center Director, Child and Youth Services Program Administrator, Children and Youth Program Specialist and Chief of Children, Youth and Teen Programs at Marine Corps Headquarters in Virginia and on Marine Corps and Army installations in California and Germany.

Throughout her career she has served as an expert advisor, senior staff officer and consultant on child and youth development, early education, national accreditation systems, partnerships, parent education and involvement, curriculum programming, youth education support and exceptional family member programs.

Facon is a native of California. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and a Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. She has been awarded the Commander's Medal for Civilian Service and the Army Achievement Medal for Superior Civilian Service. Facon has also been recognized twice with the Department of Navy, Commendation for Civilian Service.