Development News: Meet Jenny Smrekar
By Susie Kelly
took a break to visit with GSA
2nd graders on the playground.
GSA welcomes the newest member of our staff, Development Director Jenny Smrekar, who moved here with her husband and young son recently from the San Francisco Bay Area. Jenny began working part-time for GSA in November and brings with her development expertise after working for California College of the Arts and several small arts organizations.
She is happy to be in Austin and especially loves The Girls' School. “When I came here for my interview I was so blown away—it's such a magical place. The students and staff are warm and inviting -- there's just something about it,” Jenny said. “I still think that after being here for a few weeks!” she added.
Jenny is busy putting together a data base of GSA families, past and present donors and alumni to establish a mailing list and tracking system. She is also responsible for completing the GSA Annual Fund and is inviting families to contribute to reach the GSA goal of 100% participation. In addition, Jenny is working with the Gala Committee to help plan the April gala. Eventually, Jenny will oversee all development activities on campus and will work with interested grant-writing volunteers, so let her know if you would like to become involved.
“Of all of the administrative positions that we need to ultimately fill, development seemed the highest priority, and Jenny is a particularly good fit for us with her background in colleges and art institutes,” said Head of School Lisa Schmitt.
Jenny sees a bright future for GSA as the school becomes more well-known in Austin. “We're on the right track to becoming a household name,” she said. “I've been sitting in on the parent coffees, and it sounds like the school is, through word of mouth, becoming more well-known among families who might be interested in a girls' school. We already have over 15 applications submitted for Kindergarten next year!” she said.
Jenny graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in art history and received a master's degree in arts management from the Heinz School of Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon. Her husband is employed at KIPP Austin College Prep, a charter middle school for underserved students in East Austin.