San Rafael, CA (February 14, 2007) -- The George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF), the nonprofit organization that chronicles and advocates innovative practices in education, has named Cindy Johanson to the new position of chief operating officer (COO). Milton Chen, executive director of GLEF, announced the appointment, effective February 21, 2007. Johanson will report directly to Chen.

In making the announcement, Chen said, "GLEF's media resources play a unique role in helping educators and the larger public understand what we need to create twenty-first-century schools and to keep pace with social and technological changes occurring globally. Cindy's experience, vision, and hands-on production experience with interactive media are a perfect fit for GLEF's mission and our future growth."

George Lucas, visionary filmmaker and chairman of GLEF added, "Cindy Johanson's expertise in creating cutting-edge educational Web content is an important addition to our leadership team at GLEF, especially as we seek to make our Web site the best archive of films, articles, and tools for creating successful schools."

Johanson will play an executive role, as well as an editorial role, in supervising the day-to-day operations of GLEF. Working with the senior team, one of Johanson's priorities will be to advance an integrated media strategy across platforms including the award-winning Edutopia magazine, broadband-enabled documentaries, Edutopia.org, and e-newsletters.

"I am thrilled to join such an innovative organization in this new era of great change and opportunities in media," said Johanson. "GLEF has built an impressive portfolio of resources, and they are uniquely positioned with visionary leadership, a nimble team steeped in talent, rich media assets, a growing number of strategic partners, and a worldwide base of passionate users seeking solutions."

Johanson, 40, brings a wealth of experience leading the design and expansion of digital services with a primary focus on using the Internet to educate and engage. Prior to joining GLEF, she served as senior vice president, interactive and education, for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), where she led the creation and growth of the award-winning Web site PBS.org and its comprehensive Internet services from their inception in 1995. Before her tenure at PBS, Johanson was cofounder of the National Teacher Training Institute, a yearlong television and online training program for math and science educators. Johanson started her career with online learning services back in 1988, as she coordinated customer support for Learning Link, one of the premier online networks for teachers.

Johanson holds a bachelor's degree with honors from Ohio University and a master's degree from Columbia University's Teachers College.

About The George Lucas Educational Foundation:
The George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF), founded in 1991, is a nonprofit operating foundation that documents and disseminates information about exemplary programs in K-12 schools to help these practices spread nationwide. It serves this mission through the creation of media, from films, books, and e-newsletters to CD-ROMs and DVDs. Its magazine Edutopia, Web site Edutopia.org, and documentaries celebrate the unsung heroes across the nation who are making "Edutopia" a reality.

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