Pacific Education Institute (PEI) is under new leadership. After a ten-year tenure that saw the statewide educational consulting organization through COVID-19 and unprecedented growth, executive director Kathryn Kurtz is retiring as of September 30th.
New executive director David Hartness is an education and nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience in the United States and internationally. He brings extensive experience and skills to the role, including strategic planning, program development, fundraising, partnerships, and organizational management.
“We are excited to see how David applies his vast experience and impressive skills to further the goals and reach of PEI,” says PEI board president Leslie Druffel. “The continuity of enthusiasm from PEI leadership during this change allows the organization to forge ahead on its mission – connecting K-12 educators and community partners for place-based outdoor education.”
Hartness has led education and youth-serving programs in a variety of settings, including directing a 350-acre outdoor education center in West Virginia, leading academic programs at an international school in Zambia, and developing literacy, teacher-training, and community education initiatives with the U.S. Peace Corps in Mozambique. His work has focused on creating meaningful learning experiences, strengthening partnerships, and expanding opportunities for students and educators.
His career began at Waskowitz Outdoor School, which he credits with developing a lifelong passion for environmental and outdoor education. “Getting students outside, engaged in experiential learning, and connected to the world around them is what first drew me to this work,” says Hartness. “Those experiences can spark curiosity and help students begin to see what’s possible for their futures.”
He looks forward to supporting PEI’s work to help students see meaningful connections between what they’re learning and the careers and opportunities available to them, and to supporting educators as they build confidence using outdoor, place-based learning in their classrooms.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with students and educators in very different communities and learning environments, and those experiences have shaped how I lead: I believe strongly in listening, building relationships, and learning from the people closest to the work,” says Hartness. “I’m excited to bring that experience to PEI, learn from this community, and build on the great work already underway.”
