The Auburn Public Schools Foundation has appointed Matthew Longhurst as its first full-time executive director.

It marks the first time a full-time employee – with its all-volunteer board of trustees – will lead the foundation since its inception in 2011.

Longhurst, an attorney and licensed CPA, has served as a leader in local and national nonprofit organizations for the last 13 years. As a founding team member at Pacific Ballroom Dance, he took a leading role in establishing, growing and anchoring the youth-focused arts program in Auburn. More recently, he was responsible for managing a global network of in-school dance residency providers as Dancing Classrooms’ director of global operations.

As eight-year Auburn resident, Longhurst has three daughters attending public schools in the district.

“We are thrilled to find a local leader with Matthew’s experience, dedication, and expertise,” said Lisa Connors, president and founding trustee. “After reviewing many outstanding candidates, we came away confident that Matthew’s leadership will grow the organization to provide substantial benefits to the children we serve.”

The creation of this full-time position comes with the support of the Auburn School District.

“With five years of steady but limited progress, we wanted to jump start the growth of the Foundation,” said Alan Spicciati, district superintendent. “With the support of the school board, the district is investing in this position in order to further support academic opportunities and basic needs for the students of our district.”

Longhurst is excited to begin the work of building community support for the foundation’s mission. “I feel tremendously lucky to live and work in a city with such a strong sense of community,” he said. “I look forward to building partnerships to ensure that our students receive the resources they need to achieve success.”