René Eichem Named Executive Director of Community Foundations

(March 3, 2008) Wamego, KS — René Eichem, Wamego, has been appointed executive director of the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation (KRCF) and Wamego Community Foundation (WCF) in Wamego. Eichem was formerly employed with the Kansas Bar Association in Topeka, where she was the assistant executive director.

"René brings extensive experience to the foundations," KRCF President Doug Springer said. "Her background, education, and expertise will be beneficial to the missions and goals of both foundations.”

The formation of the Wamego Community Foundation in 1998 and the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation in 2006 as 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations created an efficient mechanism through which individuals, families, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations have been able to create funds and make gifts to benefit their communities.

Donated dollars have established scholarships, built new community playgrounds, assisted families who have children with disabilities, and aided historical preservation, just to name a few. Some of the communities that have benefited from the services provided by the KRCF and WCF include Havensville, Olsburg, Onaga, St. George, St. Marys, Wamego, Westmoreland, and Wheaton.

“I am confident René will increase the visibility of both the Wamego Community Foundation and the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation, which will enhance charitable giving within our community and the state as a whole,” WCF president Susan Symons said. “We are excited to have her on board, and we look forward to working with her.”

Eichem received her B.S. in journalism and mass communications/public relations (cum laude) from Kansas State University. She is a graduate of Valley Heights Junior-Senior High School in Waterville and also of Manhattan Area Technical College. Her husband, Chris, is a graduate of Wamego High School and is employed with Howell Lumber Company; they have one son, Dustin, who is a senior at K-State.

"I'm extremely pleased to be joining the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation and Wamego Community Foundation," said Eichem. "I am looking forward to working for two organizations that are dedicated to improving the quality of life not only for the citizens of Pottawatomie County but also for all rural communities in the state."

Eichem can be reached at (785) 456-8444. For more information about the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation, visit www.thekrcf.org; to learn more about the Wamego Community Foundation, visit www.thewcf.org.

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For more information, contact René Eichem at:
Kansas Rural Communities Foundation
Wamego Community Foundation
P.O. Box 25 | Wamego, KS 66547
Phone: 785-456-8444 | Fax: 785-456-8443
E-mail
http://www.thekrcf.org | http://www.thewcf.org