FORT WAYNE – After a two-month national search, a local education-related foundation has found an executive director.
Marc Levy, former president and chief executive officer of United Way of Allen County, has been named executive director of Questa Foundation for Education, a local group geared toward expanding educational opportunities for local students.
Since 1985, Levy has led United Way organizations in California, Iowa, Ohio, and Oregon. He also was the president and CEO of United Way of Allen County from 1994 through 2002, during which time the group won several awards.
Most recently, Levy was president and CEO of United Way of Columbia-Willamette in Portland, Ore.
Questa Foundation for Education provides a college debt forgiveness program and scholarships for Indiana students.
The group aims to increase college completion rates in northeast Indiana and keep talented students in the region.
Levy said he and his wife, Susan Eisenhauer, had decided to move back to Fort Wayne regardless of whether he received the job offer.
He said he was drawn back by the area’s people, initiatives and energy.
“We’re here by choice,” said Levy, who is originally from Los Angeles. “We felt like it was coming back home because we really like Fort Wayne.”
Levy said he has worked with education initiatives throughout his career and is excited to focus more specifically on the topic.
“What I’m excited about in this position is the ability to help young people be able to further their education and hopefully connect with jobs and opportunities so we can keep the talent here and make this a place where people want to spend their time,” he said.
Levy started his duties Monday.
He follows in the footsteps of former Questa Foundation Executive Director Christina K. Smith, who left to become associate vice president of strategic advancement at Grace College and Seminary.
Questa Foundation for Education is accepting applications through May 1 for its Questa Scholars Program for the upcoming school year. More information regarding the program can be found at www.questafoundation.org.
