Reading Partners Colorado names new executive director

(Denver, CO – August 18 , 2015) — Margie Thirlby has been named executive director of Reading Partners Colorado. Thirlby is responsible for overseeing Reading Partners’ presence in 14 Denver area schools, and deepening the partnership with Denver Public Schools. In addition, she will oversee fundraising and development for the national literacy nonprofit and work to expand Reading Partners’ relationships across Colorado. Thirlby will support Reading Partners’ presence as an approved READ Act provider and a key stakeholder in policy and volunteer-based organizations in Colorado.

Thirlby comes to Reading Partners with more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. She joins the nonprofit after serving seven years as executive director for Rebuilding Together Seattle, where she oversaw operations, development, and programming in order to provide free home repair services to low-income homeowners in need. Margie also served on the Rebuilding Together National Affiliate Council and National Board (DC).

“Colorado has taken a visionary approach to raising reading achievement in the state, and we have enjoyed building a strong and successful partnership,” says Reading Partners Regional Vice President of Operations Amy Polonchek, who oversees the Colorado region. “Margie brings a wealth of experience in building relationships as well as in managing and strengthening high-growth organizations. She is an ideal fit to help us positively impact  more schools and students in the state.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as executive director of Reading Partners Colorado,” says Thirlby. “Reading Partners provides students with a beautiful and lifelong gift that not only meets an immediate need, but will transform lives and communities long term. I am deeply passionate about education and youth development in diverse communities, I am thrilled to join the Colorado team.”

In addition to her work in the nonprofit sector, Thirlby is a former sports journalist, volleyball coach, camp counselor, and Big Sister of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Margie received her bachelor’s in English and media studies at St. Olaf College and her certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Washington.

About Reading Partners

Reading Partners empowers students to succeed in reading and in life by engaging community volunteers to provide one-on-one tutoring. The national nonprofit organization will provide provides individualized literacy tutoring to more than 11,000 elementary school students in more than 200 schools in low-income communities across nine states and the District of Columbia. Reading Partners delivers a highly effective, evidence-based program that has helped tens of thousands of children master the fundamental reading skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Launched in 2013, Reading Partners Colorado operates in 14 Denver Metro area elementary schools and supports more than 800 students leveraging the support of more than 1,200 community volunteers. As an approved READ Act provider, Reading Partners is a key stakeholder in ensuring all students have the opportunity to finish 3rd grade reading proficiently. Visit readingpartners.org/colorado to learn more about how Reading Partners is helping improve student literacy in Colorado and beyond.

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