Genesys Works attracts philanthropic leaders Christi Parker and Randall "Randy" Penn to strengthen national and Houston development program

HOUSTON, TX (March 31, 2011)

Genesys Works recently announced two key appointments to support its rapidly growing capacity to change the lives of economically disadvantaged students.

Christi Neuenschwander Parker

Christi Parker will serve in the newly-created position of Chief Development Officer for the national office of Genesys Works, beginning April 4. Parker began her career in political consulting and has served in senior-level fundraising positions for more than 10 years. Most recently, she was Senior Director of Development for the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. Prior to that, her experience includes tenure with world-renown organizations such as Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. Parker will serve as Genesys Works' top national development lead, and as such will report directly to Rafael Alvarez, its Founder and CEO.

"As we ended 2010 - which was truly a watershed year for Genesys Works - we knew the time was right to bring in a proven veteran to lead our strategic fundraising efforts in order to secure the financial resources we will need to achieve our aggressive national growth plans," said Rafael Alvarez. "Christi will coordinate development efforts for Genesys Works on a national scale, working with donors from all over the United States who have the interest and ability to fund long-term strategic or capacity-building initiatives."

Ms. Parker holds an MBA from the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University in Houston and a Bachelor of Arts from Rollins College in Florida. She maintains a Certified Fundraising Executive appointment by CFRE International. She serves on the board of MyFriends Foundation and is a Sustaining Member of The Junior League of Houston. A true philanthropist at heart, Christi will chair National Philanthropy Day for the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Houston this fall.

Randall Penn

Randall "Randy" Penn has begun his service as Director of Development for Genesys Works - Houston, which is Genesys Works' first and largest location. Penn brings more than 15 years of philanthropic leadership experience to the organization. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Development with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Prior to that, he was with the UT Medical Branch at Galveston and was, for 15 years, part of the leadership team at Houston Ballet. In his new position, Penn will report to Dan Wampler, Executive Director of Genesys Works - Houston.

"We are delighted that Randy has joined our Houston leadership team," said Dan Wampler. "Genesys Works - Houston boasts some tremendously valuable donors and advocates, locally and nationally. Randy's experience, track record and progressive leadership style make him an excellent fit to steward our relationships on a local level."

Penn holds an MBA in Marketing and Management from University of Cincinnati, where he began his non-profit career. He also earned Bachelor of Arts degrees from Auburn University and Birmingham-Southern College. He is a graduate of Leadership Houston, Class XXII.

About Genesys Works

Genesys Works is a national non-profit organization that changes the trajectory of life for economically disadvantaged high school students by allowing them to experience success as professionals in the corporate world. A leading social enterprise that has received national recognition, Genesys Works trains students during the summer prior to their senior year and engages them to work in meaningful internships at large corporations during their entire senior year while they continue to receive intensive guidance and college access help. Students are empowered by their real world experience in some of America's top corporations, leaving them prepared for success both in college and life beyond. More than 95 percent of program graduates go on to college.

Founded in Houston in 2002, Genesys Works has recently established additional sites in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago, with plans to continue expansion to other major U.S. cities in the near future. For more information about Genesys Works and/or Genesys Works - Houston, please visit our website, become a fan of our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/hougenesysworks.

For more info, contact:

Jennifer L. Evans
Genesys Works Public Relations
Direct: 832-692-7615
jlevanscomms@gmail.com